Amador County – The Amador County Board of Supervisors discussed Tuesday how to best take advantage of increased vehicle traffic stemming from the planned two-week closure of Highway 50 next summer.

Caltrans recently announced they will close the heavily-trafficked highway for construction from May 2nd to 14th, 2011, and redirect traffic along state routes through Amador County.

Maureen Funk of the Amador Council of Tourism said the detour is from Missouri Flat Road south to Highway 49, then up Highways 88 and 89 to South Lake Tahoe. Other motorists may be diverted up Highway 16 from Sacramento. She said alternative routes are limited because Caltrans is only allowed to detour traffic onto state highways.

“This is a real opportunity for us to make it a good experience for people to take our two-lane highways through the county,” she said.

She said the county can post “up to six signs on county land” along each route notifying motorists of places to stop for gas, food, lodging or other amenities. “My vision is…signs that welcome folks to the county by saying ‘services so many miles ahead’,” she said.

Posting signs for such a purpose falls under strict regulations. Amador County Planner Susan Grijalva previously informed Funk that signs “must not be advertisements” and should be “strictly informative.” Signs must be removed within 48 hours after the detour is closed.

Funk said the closure also happens to coincide with the AMGEN Tour of California, a Tour de France-style cycling road race considered by its promoters to be the largest cycling event in America.

“When considering the draw for this event, this is a prime opportunity for people to rediscover us,” said Funk.

Supervisor John Plasse asked if Funk had concerns about tourism entities in Placerville and Pollock Pines competing for the added business. Funk said she collaborates regularly with these entities and “we see ourselves as partners in this process.”

Speaking on behalf of the California Highway Patrol, Lieutenant Bruce Kynaston said his department anticipates an increase in traffic accidents and traffic related citations. He said it will cost more money for the CHP to bring in more officers. He said it “will be challenging but will hopefully go smoothly.”

The supervisors made no motion for action concerning the presentation, but said they approved of Funk’s efforts and plans so far.

Funk said they will eventually need to gain approval from each city council within the county. She said she will take the results of the discussion back to her board of directors and marketing committee and return later in the year with something “more formal.”

Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.