Kingsbury Grade to close on Tuesday

Kingsbury Grade will close at the summit for 25 days on Tuesday as the Nevada Department of Transportation continues its reconstruction of the main route between Carson Valley and Lake Tahoe.

The grade will reopen for Candy Dance weekend Sept. 27-28, and then shut down until October.

During that time, nonpermitted through-traffic will not be able to travel over the Kingsbury summit area between Lake Tahoe and the Carson Valley. Residents and businesses located on Kingsbury Grade will continue to be accessible by Highway 50 at Tahoe, transportation spokeswoman Meg Ragonese said.

The closure is part of a $15 million project by contractor Q&D Construction to reconstruct pavement to a 13-inch depth, helping prevent continuing pavement deterioration from natural springs below the roadway, and make drainage, safety, curb and gutter, sidewalk, lighting and other improvements on Kingsbury Grade from just east of Daggett Summit (Tramway Drive) to the intersection of Highway 50 at Stateline.

Since the project’s start in May, nearly one and half miles of roadway has been reconstructed, including excavation of nearly 7,000 cubic yards of old road and placement of 10,300 tons of new asphalt. Thus far, 1,400 linear feet of storm drain pipe have also been installed as one part of the project’s drainage improvements to enhance roadside drainage and Tahoe basin water quality.

“This closure to through traffic is similar to the closure in May,” NDOT Project Manager Pedro Rodriguez explained. “Both closures are needed to help us complete this project as quickly and as effectively as possible for everyone who uses and commutes on Kingsbury. We appreciate the understanding of everyone traveling on Kingsbury Grade.”

Motorists are asked to obey traffic controls and drive at posted construction speed limits, or slower as necessary for conditions. The public can sign up for construction alerts and see additional project information at kingsburyproject.com or by dialing 1-844-888-ROAD.