Nevada Department of Transportation’s (NDOT) phase 2A of the Carson City Freeway officially began Oct. 30 during a groundbreaking ceremony with Gov. Jim Gibbons and other dignitaries.

The $45 million project, awarded to Road and Highway Builders of Reno, involves constructing a 2-mi. (3.2 km), six-lane freeway from U.S. 50 east to Fairview Drive. An earlier phase, opened to traffic in February 2006 for $70 million, completed the first half of the freeway from the north end of Carson City at U.S. 395 to U.S. 50 east.

“This is great news for motorists who drive through Carson City,” said Gibbons, who also is chairman of the state Transportation Board. “This project will help alleviate the traffic congestion in the capital between Douglas County, South Lake Tahoe and Reno. Finishing this project is a top priority in northern Nevada.”

Besides the 2-mi. section of new freeway, phase 2A includes completing the interchange at U.S. 50 east, reconstructing Fifth Street to go over the new freeway and constructing a partial interchange at Fairview Drive. Sound walls, improved drainage and a multi-use pedestrian/bike path also will be included in the project.

When completed, the entire Carson City freeway will extend from Lakeview Hill to the intersection of U.S. 395 and U.S. 50/Spooner Summit. Currently, more than 45,000 vehicles a day use Carson Street with more than 50,000 vehicles per day expected by 2010. Motorists traveling through Carson City do not currently have an alternative travel choice but to drive through the capital’s main thoroughfare.

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