Carson City freeway to be discussed

Nevada is facing a $26 billion shortfall in transportation funding during the next 20 years. Transportation planning, improvement, maintenance and transit agencies throughout the state are coming together to urge everyone to Stand Up 4 Transportation. Thursday is Stand Up 4 Transportation Day, a nationwide event organized by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).

Please join transportation leaders at the future site of the Carson City Freeway for an exclusive look at the path of the roadway prior to construction, remarks on federal funding challenges and opportunities for one-on-one interviews. The event will happen at 2 p.m. Thursday past Western Nevada Supply.

With the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) federal funding set to expire at the end of May, transportation leaders are asking Congress to pass a new long-term funding bill for surface transportation.

Federal funds are critical for transportation and transit projects in Northern Nevada.

One example: the next phase of the Carson City Freeway will begin construction this summer largely as a result of federal investment. This key phase will extend I-580 south of Fairview Drive to southern Carson City, fully opening the freeway to traffic and providing a connection with US 50. This important project will not only improve mobility throughout Nevada’s capital city, but enable drivers to more efficiently reach Lake Tahoe and Douglas County. In Washoe County, thanks to MAP-21, one of the busiest intersections in the region is being improved to ease traffic congestion. The improvements at Pyramid Way and McCarran Boulevard in Sparks will also enhance safety at this high-crash location. In May, MAP-21 will also enable the RTC of Washoe County to put 15 new paratransit vehicles on the streets. Most projects planned for, in, and connecting the Lake Tahoe Basin require matching funds to meet the needs of more than 8 million annual visits. One of the major projects is the US 50 Community Revitalization in South Lake Tahoe.

Please join transportation leaders at the future site of the Carson City Freeway for an exclusive look at the path of the roadway prior to construction, remarks on federal funding challenges and opportunities for one-on-one interviews.