Hundreds of semi-trucks continue to line the eastbound and westbound lanes of I-80 from Auburn to Applegate.

This road usually takes them between Northern California and Nevada.

However, with recent winter storms bringing 4 feet of new snow, high drifts, downed trees and sub-zero temperatures adding a layer of ice to the roadway, they are unable to pass.

Many of them stayed there for several days.

They were hoping yesterday’s sunny weather would allow them to pass, but Caltrans says the roads weren’t and still aren’t ready.

However, the cars were able to pass, much to the disappointment of most truck drivers.

To that, Caltrans spokesman Steve Nelson responded that they needed to “improve traction a little bit to free up the trucks because they’re having a hard time getting over Donner Summit.”

One of the reasons they don’t move faster is because they can’t because they’re running less equipment.

At the beginning of the season, they had 24 snow plows, now they are down to nine.

“We’re not running a full deck,” Nelson said.

However, this doesn’t help truckers feel better, and instead they have growing problems that go beyond staying put. Now they realize that they are also losing money.

“They accuse me [the company he works for]” said one driver, “they are not going to pay me, and people don’t spit.”

Caltrans is working day-to-day to try to fix the problems, but the interstate remains closed, with no timeline or estimate for when it will reopen.

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