NDOT to begin preliminary work on year-long US-395 project in downtown Gardnerville
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Thu, 09/21/2023 - 2:18pm
Beginning Monday, Sept. 25, drivers will see intermittent lane closures as the Nevada Department of Transportation launches preliminary construction of a year-long highway improvement project to reconstruct U.S. 395 through downtown Gardnerville.
Beginning Sept. 25 through mid-winter, drivers will see 24/7 single lane closures and lane shifts on small sections of U.S. 395 between First Street and Waterloo Lane. The majority of lane closures will be short in length, with work zones of a few hundred feet.
Pedestrian detours will be available. At least one access to each business will remain available during construction.
Moderate travel delays are to be expected. Crews will make preliminary highway drainage, sidewalk and curb and gutter improvements in advance of major highway reconstruction which will launch in spring of 2024.
CONSTRUCTION LOOK AHEAD- Traffic Impacts in 2024
Beginning in spring 2024, just under two miles of U.S. 395 between Waterloo Lane and First Street in Gardnerville will be completely reconstructed and repaved. Drivers should anticipate the following construction on sections of U.S. 395 between Waterloo Lane and First Street spring through summer 2024.
— Lanes will be slightly reduced in width and shifted in the work zone 24/7.
— Drivers should anticipate shifting traffic control and 24-7 travel delays through the work zone as semi-permanent barriers are placed in work areas for driver and worker safety.
— At least one lane in each direction and one access to each business will remain available during construction. NDOT encourages the community to support local businesses during construction.
— Alternate routes are advised for those traveling through without a planned destination in the work zone.
— Left-hand turns and travel across intersections will periodically be prohibited as intersections are reconstructed and new road surface placed.
— Expect reduced speeds through the work zone and provide extra time to reach destinations.
— While pedestrian and bicycle access will remain available, marked pedestrian detours will be in place in certain sections of the work zone.
— Construction schedule is weather permitting and subject to change.
The project will make the following improvements:
— Reconstruct approximately a half mile of U.S. 395 from Waterloo Lane to Toler Avenue. Nearly fifteen inches of aging roadway surface and base will be pulverized and blended with new cement to create a sturdier and durable roadway base. Six inches of new asphalt will then be placed over the new roadway base for a smoother and safer roadway surface.
— Through the “S-curve” (Toler Avenue to approximately Mill Street), an even more aggressive roadway modification will excavate 18 inches of the roadway base before reconstructing and resurfacing.
— The remaining section of roadway improvements will remove and replace almost three inches of aging pavement surfaces.
— Electronic flashing pedestrian crossing signs, known as a rapid rectangular flashing beacons, will be installed or upgraded near Mission Street and Kingslane Court, allowing pedestrians to activate the signs to help stop traffic as they cross the street.
— Upgraded lighting will be installed as part of existing lighting fixtures.
— Underground conduit line will also be enhanced for better connectivity to roadway cameras, road/weather information systems, and more. This also provides opportunity for early installation of future electrical and communications including fiber optic cables, as part of a broader plan to make high-speed internet more accessible throughout Nevada.
— Additional storm drains will also be added near Toler Avenue at the “S Curve” to more effectively direct storm waters.
— Americans with Disability accessibility improvements will be made to certain sidewalk facilities.
— A second phase of improvements in future years will include additional sidewalk and accessibility improvements, as well as remaining roadway drainage, signals, and lighting enhancements.
The approximately $11 million improvement project by contractor Sierra Nevada Construction will improve the highway for the as many as 20,000 vehicles traveling the road daily, including many heavy trucks and other commercial vehicles. The road was last fully repaved in 2003, with minor resurfacing in some areas more recently.
Motorists should use caution while traveling through work zones, and take alternate detour routes, if possible. The schedule is subject to change due to weather or other factors. For the latest state highway conditions, visit nvroads.com or call 511 before driving.
