City transportation manager gazes into crystal ball, sees some but not all

Joshing about having a crystal ball, City Transportation Manager Patrick Pittenger took a stab on long-term Freeway Bypass progress and nailed short-term road closures Thursday.During an appearance at the Carson City Board of Supervisors, Pittenger was asked by Supervisor Jim Shirk to estimate when the bypass would be done south of Fairview Drive.“I've got a little crystal ball right here in my pocket,” he replied. Then he did hazard a guess “they could have it all out there by 2016.” But he added the Nevada Department of Transportation has fiscal constraints.Shirk said he asked to get a feel for what the impact on downtown businesses and city sales tax take might be. Mayor Robert Crowell added pressure needs to continue for progress for various reasons.“We just need to make sure that we emphasize the need to finish,” Crowell said, partly due to heavy traffic on Fairview and the impact on that part of town as well. Pittenger, while unable to get complete clarity from his crystal ball on long term bypass progress, did acknowledge shorter term clarity about road closures due to the Snyder Overpass bridge work over the bypass footprint that is already beginning.Snyder Avenue will be closed beginning Monday between East Roland Street and Center Drive and remain closed for nine months. Center Drive and Silver Sage will be closed south of Appion Way to south of the existing Snyder Avenue, and stay closed permanently to through traffic.Pittenger's road report also says detours will be marked and residents or drivers in the area should anticipate additional roads to be closed in coming weeks.