Widening of U.S. 50 near Silver Springs starts

Although no major traffic interruptions are anticipated in the coming months, motorists will see preliminary earthwork begin this week on a Nevada Department of Transportation project to widen U.S. 50 in the Silver Springs area.

On U.S. 50, motorists will continue to travel on the current highway lanes through early summer as new westbound highway lanes are constructed north of the existing road. Minor traffic switches and speed reductions will take place this summer as drivers are routed to new lanes. Throughout construction, one lane will remain available in each direction and traffic flaggers will be stationed at side streets to allow motorists to enter U.S. 50 in the work zone.

U.S. 50 will be widened from a two-lane to a four-lane divided highway between Roys Road in Stagecoach and the U.S. 95A junction in Silver Springs. A traffic roundabout will replace the existing flashing traffic signal at the U.S. 50 and 95A junction in Silver Springs. The concrete roundabout will make intersection travel safer and quicker, with free right turns between U.S. 50 and southern Alternate U.S. 95. Eight frontage roads will also be constructed, tying local access roads into major intersections for safer designated turns to and from the highway. Roadside lighting will be installed and enhanced for improved visibility and safety at major intersections. Roadway drainage improvements will also be made.

Fourteen miles of new four strand, 4-foot-tall livestock fencing will be constructed on both sides of the highway to reduce vehicle-animal collisions and enhance safety. Cattle guards will be installed at major crossroads with pedestrian access allowing pedestrians to pass. The nearly 10 miles of highway to be widened is traveled by approximately 6,000 drivers daily.

Improvements also include lengthening the truck climbing lane on Alternate U.S. 95 just north of the U.S. 50 junction in Silver Springs. Through early spring, drivers can anticipate roadway shoulder and brief, intermittent single lane closures on alternate U.S. 95 directly north of Silver Springs.

The approximately $50 million highway project by contractor Granite Construction Co. marks the final phase of widening of U.S. 50 to four lanes between Carson City and Silver Springs. Throughout the past decade, NDOT has widened U.S. 50 from eastern Dayton to the Stagecoach area from two to four lanes.

Project updates are available at nevadadot.com or by calling 775-888-7000.