I-580 / U.S. 395

The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT), in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the City of Carson City are constructing the I-580/U.S. 395 Carson City Freeway Project. NDOT has developed a design for the approximately nine-mile long Carson City Freeway. The project has been broken into two phases, each of which has broken into additional sub-phases based upon funding availability.
 

Phase 1 of the project constructed the northern half of the Carson City Freeway. This approximately four-mile portion of the project starts north of Carson City near the East Lake Boulevard interchange in Washoe Valley. Existing U.S. 395 was widened in the northbound direction to provide for the addition of a truck-climbing lane up and over the hill coming out of Carson City to the East Lake Boulevard interchange. A median barrier rail was installed in this location to enhance safety. After connecting into existing U.S. 395 near Bonanza Road in north Carson, the freeway continues on new alignment to the point where it intersects with U.S. 50 East.

Phases 1 and 1A have been constructed and are open to the public. 
 

Phase 2 of the Carson City Freeway will add the remaining 4.9 miles of controlled access freeway from U.S. 50 East to the southern connection at the existing U.S. 50 West - Tahoe Junction / Carson Street intersection. The Freeway will also be designed for two lanes in each direction with provisions for future widening in the median.
Phases 2A and 2B-1 have been constructed and are open to the public. The remainder of 2B will be constructed in three smaller sub-phase construction projects over the next approximately five years. The content of each remaining sub-phase is briefly described below:

 
Snyder Avenue Bridge, Grading and Drainage Improvements (Phase 2B-2)
 

 

Phase 2B-2 began construction  in early 2013. Construction is anticipated to last 12 to 14 months. This phase of the Carson City Freeway consists of the following elements:

• Grade separated crossing (no freeway access) at Snyder Avenue, with Snyder Avenue constructed over the future freeway.
• Drainage facilities for roadway and offsite storm water runoff in the southern leg of the project, including drainage channels, detention basins and box culverts.
• Roadway grading in the southern leg of the project to accommodate drainage and utilize fill material from detention basins.
• Relocation of Carson City’s utility facilities impacted by construction.

Grading and Drainage from Fairview Drive to South Carson Street (Phase 2B-3)
Phase 2B-3 is expected to advertise for construction in 2013-2014, pending the availability of funding. The construction duration for Phase 2B-3 is anticipated to last 14 to 18 months. This phase of the Carson City Freeway consists of the following elements:

• Remaining drainage facilities for roadway and offsite stormwater runoff in the southern leg of the project, including drainage channels, a detention basin and box culverts
• Roadway earthwork and final grading from Fairview Drive Interchange to South Carson Street, including major excavation and embankment.
• Construction of sound walls.
 

Final Paving and all Remaining Elements From Fairview Drive to South Carson Street (Phase 2B-4) Phase 2B-4 is expected to advertise for construction in 2015-2016, pending the availability of funding. The construction duration is anticipated to last two years. This phase of the Carson City Freeway consists of the following elements:

All remaining construction elements for the project including:
• Southern half of Fairview Drive interchange
• South Carson Street interchange
• Roadway paving
• Landscaping
• Sound walls
• Signals, lighting, signing and pavement striping
Upon completion of Phase 2B-4, the construction of the I-580/U.S. 395 Carson City Freeway Project will be complete and the freeway will be open from north of Carson City to the South Carson Street interchange.

PROJECT BENEFITS
• Completion of I-580 from Reno to Carson City
• Connect Carson City, the state’s capital, to the Interstate System
• Decrease congestion
• Shorter commute times
• Improve safety
• Accommodate projected local traffic
• Meet stakeholder/public transportation expectations
• Reduce idling and vehicle emissions
• Beautify the corridor  

PROJECT TIMELINE
The project timeline is subject to change pending funding availability.