NDOT: State Route 28 improvement project begins Monday

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. — This summer’s launch of construction improvements on State Route 28 will begin Monday, May 1 with ongoing work through Oct. 15 on the share-used path, highway safety, accessibility, and water quality enhancements.

Through late fall, daytime single lane closures will take place on State Route 28 from the southern end of Incline Village to three miles south of Sand Harbor State Park for construction of the shared use path and water quality improvements. Nighttime single lane closures are planned between Hidden Beach to three miles south of Sand Harbor State Park for construction of water quality and traffic safety improvements.

Motorists should anticipate delays of 20-30 minutes with one-lane flagger controlled closures. A majority of the work will take place Sunday night through Friday at noon, non-holidays; lane closures may occur Fridays and weekends during off peak season. With potential travel delays, vehicle owners are encouraged to be aware of vehicle fuel and/or electric charge range and utilize available fueling/charging stations before traveling through road work zones.

It’s anticipated that intermittent full road closures will be necessary to construct portions of the pedestrian bridges for the shared use path. Also, full closures are expected to take place during off peak season (May through early-June; late-August/early Sept. through Oct. 15) to reduce impact to the traveling public. Advance notice will be provided so motorists can plan accordingly.

Roadside parking from Ponderosa Ranch Road to approximately three-plus miles south of Sand Harbor State Park will not be allowed during construction. Officials encourage travelers to pay special attention to no parking/tow-away zones throughout the project area as towing will be enforced for no parking zones.

The roadside parking lot and bathroom at Memorial Point will be closed for the season to allow for construction staging areas. Beach and trail access between Lakeshore Boulevard and Sand Harbor State Park may be limited or closed during construction. Travelers are encouraged not to access beaches or trails through construction zones due to safety concerns.

NDOT has contracted Granite Construction to implement the State Route 28 Shared Use Path, Water Quality, and Safety Improvement project. Completion of the approximately $36 million project is anticipated for the end of 2018, but may extend into 2019 depending on future weather impacts.

“With Tahoe’s historic winter, we’re extremely fortunate that impacts on the project area are not expected to significantly affect the production schedules,” said John O’Day, project manager for Granite Construction. “Therefore, we’re ready to hit the ground running and start staging/prep work May 1, conditions permitting. We appreciate travelers’ patience and recommend a bit more time when planning. We’ll do everything possible to minimize traffic impacts.”

Starting with Phase 1 in 2016, the multi-year project will build a three-plus mile shared-use path from the southern end of Incline Village to Sand Harbor State Park. Last year, crews excavated approximately 10,000 cubic yards of material, including relocating IVGID sewer mains and constructing an underpass beneath State Route 28 to bring the future shared use path from the east to west side of the road near the Flume Trail. Work also began on three new parking areas located near the Ponderosa Ranch and Tunnel Creek Café to provide safer parking options for the 1 million recreationists who visit the area annually.

More than 2.5 million vehicles a year travel on State Route 28, mixing with as many as 2,000 pedestrians and bicyclists who park and recreate near the roadside on peak days, creating safety and accessibility concerns on the mountain highway. The additional pathway and parking areas will enhance safety and mobility for everyone on the roadway.

Project information is available at www.nevadadot.com/SR28 or call (775) 888-7000.