The Nevada Department of Transportation will host an in-person and virtual public information meeting to gather public feedback as part of initial environmental review for proposed future widening of Interstate 80 east of Sparks.
The meeting will be available both in-person and virtually to learn more and provide input about proposed future interstate improvements.
NDOT is soliciting public input on proposed future widening and improvements to I-80 between Vista Boulevard and USA Parkway.
Visitors can view project information and provide comments by visiting the virtual public meeting at I80EastNV.com anytime Oct. 23 through Nov. 22, 2023. Both English and Spanish language will be available.
An in-person open house public meeting will be held Tuesday, Nov. 7 between 4-7 p.m. at the Lockwood Community and Senior Center, located at 800 Peri Ranch Road. The meeting will be held in an open house format, with a formal presentation beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Comments can be submitted at the public meeting, via the virtual public meeting, by e-mailing info@i80eastnv.com or mailing NDOT Project Manager Chris Kuhn at 1263 South Street, Carson City, NV 89712 before 5 p.m. Nov. 22.
In conjunction with the Federal Highway Administration, NDOT is soliciting public input on proposed future widening and improvements to I-80 between Vista Boulevard and USA Parkway as part of the National Environmental Policy Act, or environmental review, phase of the project.
Potential improvements include widening of I-80 between Vista Boulevard in Sparks and the State Route 439 (USA Parkway) interchange. Certain existing interstate bridges are proposed to be replaced, roadway shoulders widened, and interchange improvements and other enhancements made to improve traffic mobility and safety for the as many as 48,000 vehicles which travel the interstate daily. Proposed widening would require extensive geotechnical engineering due to steep slopes and rock formations bordering the interstate.
Traffic has increased 61 percent over the past ten years. In a recent five-year period, an average of 155 crashes occurred every year on this section of interstate. Interstate widening and improvements are projected to cut total crash rates by approximately 25 percent, and fatal and injury crashes by approximately 30 percent, over a 25-year period.
Over recent years, NDOT has lengthened and improved I-80 USA Parkway and Lockwood ramps for safer, designated access to and from the interstate in the area.
NDOT will also host in-person public meetings and a virtual meeting to review existing corridor conditions and gather public feedback on U.S. 395 between Carson City and the Nevada-California border at Topaz Lake.
Those interested can attend one of two public meetings or visit ndotus395.com for information and to submit feedback.
The plan will evaluate the long-term vision, needs, and priorities to develop a Corridor Action Plan for U.S. 395 between East Clearview Drive in Carson City and the Nevada-California border at Topaz Lake and provide the foundation for future environmental studies.
The U.S. 395 Southern Sierra Corridor Study will update a previous corridor study, conducted in 2007, to reflect new population and transportation status and needs. The plan is being developed cooperatively with Douglas County, the Carson City Metropolitan Planning Organization, and other stakeholders and public participants who provide input.
In a recent five-year period, eleven lives were lost on this section of highway. The study, projected to complete in spring 2025, will develop goals, recommendations, and strategies to enhance roadway safety and use, as well as provide decision-makers with guidance for potential corridor improvements in the future.
A second round of public meetings will be held to gather additional public feedback on study recommendations before the study is finalized. Prior to design and prioritization of any future highway improvements, additional public outreach and thorough review of potential benefits, physical challenges, environmental constraints, and more will be conducted.
Further state transportation information is available at dot.nv.gov or by calling (775) 888-7000.
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