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One Month Preview of Construction Activities Construction of the Bowers Mansion Interchange 
One Month Preview of Construction Activities — Updated MonthlyNote: The project operations detailed below are currently scheduled but may be delayed in the event of winter storms affecting project site conditions and the safety of construction crews.
Construction of the Bowers Mansion InterchangeConstruction of the Bowers Mansion Road Interchange is scheduled to resume in the spring of 2011. Material from the Galena Creek fill will be used for interchange embankments. Existing US-395 will be detoured in several phases during construction of the new interchange ramps. The detours are anticipated to be in place from 6 to 12 months and will require the closure of the existing intersection at US-395 and Bowers Mansion Road (SR-429). Traffic accessing Bowers Mansion Road from existing US-395 will have the option of using one of the following temporary detours:
Galena Creek Fill RemovalAs part of the construction of the Galena Creek Bridge, a temporary fill was built using approximately 380,000 cubic yards of material excavated from the north end of the project. This fill has served as a base for falsework and bridge construction staging. Construction crews plan to begin the removal of the Galena Creek fill in April, weather permitting, using a conveyor system to move the fill material up the south abutment. The material will be loaded onto trucks and transported to the south end of the project where it will be used in the construction of the new Bowers Mansion Interchange. Once the fill has been removed, the 40-foot diameter tunnel at its base (constructed to allow the flow of the Galena Creek while the fill is in place) will be disassembled and the affected hillsides restored to their natural state upon completion of the new freeway. NDOT Accepts Proposed Change to Concrete Pavement on Freeway ExtensionFollowing additional analysis of the short and long-term costs, performance benefits and maintenance considerations, the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) has reconsidered its decision regarding the pavement type for a section of the new I-580 freeway extension. The contractor, Fisher Sand & Gravel, has submitted a revised proposal to NDOT to provide Portland Cement Concrete Pavement (PCCP) from Parker Ranch Road (in Washoe City) north to the Galena Forest Bridge. This section of freeway was originally designed as asphalt concrete pavement. A review of the potential environmental impacts associated with the change to PCCP is complete and is addressed as part of a required Federal Highway Administration reevaluation of the I-580 Freeway Extension Project Final Environmental Impact Statement. The original design included PCCP in the active geothermal areas from the Galena Forest Bridge to the Mt. Rose interchange. In addition, all nine bridges on the project are concrete. Further project information is available at www.freewayextension.com. For more information, please contact NDOT's project manager, Tony Lorenzi, PE at 775/888-7317. Roadway Grading Activity Continues Along the I-580 Freeway ExtensionThere has been significant roadway grading progress throughout the length of the I-580 Freeway Extension Project. Much of this progress is not readily visible from vehicles traveling along US 395 between Reno and Carson City. However, one area where progress can be seen by commuters and local residents is the SR 429/Bowers Mansion Interchange area. Travelers through this area can catch a glimpse of how the new freeway extension will connect with the existing US 395 at the north end of Washoe Valley. When the I-580 Freeway Extension Project is complete, the northbound and southbound travel lanes of the existing US 395 south of the interchange will be realigned to connect directly to the mainline of the new freeway extension as it travels under the new SR 429/Bowers Mansion Road Bridge at the north end of Washoe Valley. On- and off-ramps at SR 429/Bowers Mansion Road will provide access to Davis Creek Road and Kelly Canyon Road from Bowers Mansion Road. The interchange will also maintain access for local traffic traveling to Washoe City, Pleasant Valley and other points along the existing US 395 north of the interchange. A large cut at the north end of Pleasant Valley is being excavated; much of this material will be transported to the southern end of the new alignment. To date, over 4.5 million cubic yards of earthwork has been moved to shape the new alignment. An additional 1.2 million cubic yards of material has yet to be excavated and placed. Lane Closures at the I-580/SR 431Interchange (Mt. Rose Interchange)Construction of the Mt. Rose Bridge widening continues with the placement of falsework over the Mt. Rose Highway (SR 431) to support the construction of the bridge deck widening, requiring lane closures in several phases. Message boards will be placed in the area and updated on a regular basis to provide dates and times of closures scheduled for each phase.
Mt. Rose Interchange to Include Bicycle and Pedestrian ImprovementsMaintaining recreational access was an important feature in the design of the new I-580 freeway. Maintaining trail access, providing safe crossings, and allowing for future recreational development were all considered during the design process. One element of particular public interest was providing safe bicycle and pedestrian access along the Mt. Rose Highway (SR431) through the I-580/SR431 interchange. Coordination efforts with the Regional Transportation Commission's (RTC) engineering and planning staff, RTC Bicycle-Pedestrian Advisory Committee, Truckee Meadows Trails Association, Nevada Bicycle Advisory Board, West Washoe Citizen's Advisory Board, Nevada Highway Patrol, Federal Highway Administration, and NDOT resulted in the design of a multiuse facility on the north side of the Mt. Rose Highway comprised of a two-way path from Wedge Parkway to Virginia Street that is currently under construction. The new and existing interchange ramps will also be modified to better accommodate non-motorized traffic crossings along the multiuse path and enhance safe bicycle and pedestrian access through the I-580/SR431 interchange. Winter Storms Slow Work on I-580 Freeway ExtensionThe recent winter storms and freezing temperatures that passed through the region during the 2009 holiday season left behind snowy and icy conditions that temporarily halted much of the work on the I-580 Freeway Extension. Construction activity will resume on the project as weather and project site conditions permit. Northbound Arch at Galena Creek Bridge CompletedConstruction at the Galena Creek Bridge continues to move forward with the completion of the northbound arch. Arch falsework (temporary steel and wooden structure erected to support the construction) has been removed and the construction of falsework for the northbound bridge deck has begun. Construction of the northbound bridge deck will continue through the winter, as weather permits. This landmark cathedral arch bridge measures 1,700 feet long with a 690 foot arch main span and stands 295 feet from the bridge deck to the base of the Galena Creek. A temporary fill measuring approximately 385 feet wide at its base and tapering to approximately 210 feet wide at the top was built with approximately 380,000 cubic yards of material extracted from the north end of the project to serve as a base for falsework and bridge construction staging. A 40 foot diameter tunnel runs through the base of the fill to allow for the flow of Galena Creek during construction. The fill will be removed and the affected hillsides restored upon completion of the new freeway. Additional milestones reached in the construction of the new freeway's bridges include:
Motorist Safety Reminder- Take it Slow in Ice and SnowWinter has arrived in northern Nevada, and with it comes increased holiday and ski resort traffic and unpredictable weather conditions. NDOT would like to take the opportunity to remind motorists of some things you can do to make it to your destination safely.
Did you know? I-580 Freeway Extension to Include Anti-Icing SystemAs part of the I-580 Freeway Extension Project, NDOT will be installing an anti-icing system to minimize icing during severe weather conditions on the Galena Creek, Browns Creek, Steamboat Hills, and Galena Forest bridges. The automated system monitors atmospheric and pavement conditions, engaging small sprinkling devices when icy/snowy conditions exist. These devices will spray an environmentally-safe solution onto the bridge deck to inhibit the formation of ice. Similar systems have been used in states such as Minnesota and Pennsylvania and have proven successful in minimizing dangerous icy road conditions during winter months. NDOT Decides To Keep Asphalt Paving On I-580 Freeway ExtensionThe Nevada Department of Transportation has decided to not accept a proposal to construct a concrete roadway surface throughout the length of the I-580 Freeway extension south of Reno. NDOT has directed the contractor, Fisher Sand & Gravel, to move forward with the construction of an asphalt roadway surface as originally planned. Following a cost/benefit and an environmental analysis, NDOT staff determined that the additional redesign and construction costs associated with changing to concrete pavement effectively eliminates any potential long-term maintenance savings generated by the contractor's proposed changes. "Given the additional cost, we found that staying with our original plan for asphalt was the best option," said NDOT Director Susan Martinovich. Concrete pavement will still be used where the roadway traverses geothermal areas near the Mt. Rose Interchange and on all bridge decks as originally designed. Further project information is available at www.freewayextension.com. NDOT Hosts Public Information Meeting Regarding Proposed Changes to the I-580 Freeway Extension ProjectOn August 18, 2009, NDOT hosted a public information meeting to present a proposal received from project contractor, Fisher Sand & Gravel, regarding a potential change to the new freeway's roadway surface. The contractor has proposed replacing the planned asphalt (blacktop) roadway surface with a concrete surface similar to that which will be constructed for the bridge decks and geothermal areas of the new freeway. Project representatives from NDOT and Fisher Sand & Gravel were on-hand to discuss the proposed changes with residents in an "open house" format. A formal presentation was also provided followed by a formal public comment period. During the presentation, project representatives outlined the proposed changes and provided a comparison of the two types of roadway surfaces, their relative benefits, initial construction costs, and maintenance costs over time. The findings of an updated noise study were also reviewed during the presentation. The public information meeting was well attended and NDOT received good feedback which they will be able to include in their analysis as they consider whether to move forward with the proposed changes. For additional information on the proposed changes, contact the NDOT Public Information Office at (775) 888-7000. Written comments can be submitted Steve Cooke, P.E., Chief, Environmental Services Division, Nevada Department of Transportation, 1263 South Stewart Street, Carson City, Nevada 89712, or via email at info@dot.state.nv.us (please reference the "I-580 Freeway Extension Project" in the email subject line). The open public comment period ends at 5:00 p.m., Friday, September 4, 2009. Comments received prior to this date will be included as part of the official public record. NDOT to Host Public Meeting on August 18, 2009 Regarding Proposed ChangesPURPOSE OF MEETING: The Nevada Department of Transportation, in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration, is conducting a public information meeting to discuss proposed pavement type modifications to the I 580 Freeway Extension project. The proposed pavement type modifications include changing the pavement type from asphalt to concrete. Temporary Ramp Closure at Mt. Rose InterchangeFrom May 18th through July 3rd, the northbound Mt. Rose/U.S. 395 loop ramp was closed for the construction of footings for the widening of the Mt. Rose Bridge and for construction of a drainage channel passing under the existing northbound ramp. Drivers traveling east on the Mt. Rose Highway had to use alternate routes to access northbound U.S. 395 and experienced some minor delays during the closure. This construction activity was completed on schedule and without incident, allowing the ramp to reopen in time for the busy July 4th weekend. The ramp will remain restricted to a single lane of traffic throughout the duration of the Mt. Rose bridge widening. Travelers should plan ahead and expect intermittent traffic control measures and possible delays at this location. Nearing 50% CompleteThe new freeway extension is nearly 50% complete and crews are striving to meet the 2011 completion date. Here are some of the significant construction milestones that have been reached during the first half of 2009:
Falsework construction for the Bowers Mansion Bridge deck and the Mt. Rose Interchange Bridge widening are anticipated to be completed this summer. Construction of the Galena Creek Bridge and retaining walls in Pleasant Valley and Washoe Valley are ongoing. Ramp Closure at Mt Rose Interchange: May 18 - July 3The northbound Mt. Rose/US 395 loop ramp is scheduled for closure May 18th through July 3rd for construction of a culvert in the area. Drivers are encouraged to plan alternate routes and allow extra time to get to their destination during this temporary closure. Additional traffic control measures may also be in place periodically for construction activity along the Mt. Rose Highway. Drivers should be extra alert when driving through the area due to the increased construction traffic within the Mt. Rose interchange area. Galena Creek Bridge Northbound Arch Takes ShapeCrews are in the process of erecting falsework to support the construction of the northbound arch at the Galena Creek Bridge. Falsework has also been erected to support construction of the southbound bridge deck and formwork construction and rebar placement for the bridge deck are underway. Once complete, the bridge will consist of two arches, each supporting the northbound and southbound decks respectively. Temporary Ramp Closure at Mt. Rose Interchange RescheduledThe temporary closure of the northbound US 395 loop ramp at the Mt. Rose Interchange has been rescheduled to occur in mid-May. The ramp closure is necessary for the construction of a culvert in the area. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead with alternate routes and allow additional time to get to their destinations during the ramp closure. Additional traffic control measures may also be in place periodically for construction activities along Mt. Rose Highway. Motorist Safety ReminderSpring has arrived in Northern Nevada, and with it comes unpredictable weather, increased tourist traffic, and the start of the construction season. NDOT would like to take the opportunity to remind motorists of some things you can do to make it to your destination safely.
Ramp Closure at Mt. Rose InterchangeThe northbound loop ramp at the Mt. Rose Interchange is scheduled to be closed during the first week of April for the construction of a culvert. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead with alternate routes and allow additional time to get to their destinations during the ramp closure. Additional traffic control measures may also be in place periodically for construction activities along Mt. Rose Highway. Galena Creek Bridge Weather Station Data Now Available on I-580 Website!Galena Creek Bridge weather station data is now available on the I-580 Freeway Extension webcam page, allowing visitors to view current weather conditions at the site including temperature, wind speeds, precipitation, and barometric pressure. Weather and bridge buffs can also click on the weather link to access historical information and track weather patterns at the site since the weather station's installation in January 2009. Once the new freeway is open to traffic, the weather station will continue to provide NDOT Traffic Operations personnel with vital information needed to issue timely severe weather advisories and weather related road closures. Blast of Wintry Weather Slows Work on I-580 Freeway ExtensionThe recent storms that hit the region around the Christmas holiday left behind snowy and icy conditions. These storms created safety concerns temporarily halting much of the work on the I-580 Freeway Extension. Weather permitting, construction activity is anticipated to resume in the first week of January. Intermittent construction activity continued at the Galena Creek Bridge despite the recent storms including formwork and falsework removal at the southbound arch. Galena Creek Bridge: Southbound Arch Nears CompletionConcrete pours at the Southbound Arch of the Galena Creek Bridge continue and are near completion. Once the concrete pours are complete and have set, the wood and steel falsework supporting the arch construction will be removed, revealing the completed concrete arch. Falsework removal for the southbound arch is anticipated to begin in mid-December 2008. A similar falsework structure will then be erected to support construction of the northbound arch. The Galena Creek Bridge will consist of two (2) arches, each supporting the southbound and northbound bridge decks respectively. The Galena Creek bridge will measure 1700 feet in length with an arch span of 690 feet. The bridge deck will stand 295 feet above the base of the creek. Work Continues at the Bowers Mansion InterchangeIn addition to significant grading operations at the Bowers Mansion Interchange, crews have placed fill at the abutments for the Bowers Mansion Road Bridge and completed construction of the concrete center piers. The Winters Creek culvert has also been completed and crews have begun backfilling. Most of the activity at the Bowers Mansion interchange can be seen by passing motorists on US 395. Motorists are encouraged to exercise caution and expect intermittent delays when traveling through the Bowers Mansion area as flaggers are periodically stopping traffic to allow construction equipment to move safely on and off the site. Safety First!The safety of construction crews and motorists is NDOT's top priority. Motorist's are strongly encouraged to remain alert and watch for construction equipment and crews moving on and off of the site via the primary access points located at the Mount Rose Interchange, Parker Ranch Road, and Bowers Mansion Road. Motorists are also encouraged to allow extra time when traveling through the area as there may be intermittent delays due to construction traffic and periodic traffic control measures. NDOT would like to wish everyone a joyous and safe holiday season! MOTORIST SAFETY KEY FOCUS ON I-580 FREEWAY EXTENSIONWith all of the attention given to the sheer scale of the I-580 Freeway Extension Project, from its impressive bridges to the vast amounts of earthwork, it is easy to forget the extraordinary amount of planning that goes into a project of this magnitude to ensure that the end product results in a safe transportation corridor for the traveling public. From the beginning, the safety of the traveling public has been the primary focus of everyone involved in the planning and design of the I-580 Freeway Extension Project. Many considerations went into the design to enhance safety for the motorists using the facility and for those responsible for facility maintenance. While some of these design features and their purpose are obvious, others may serve multiple roles that might not be readily apparent to highway users. Following are some of the safety features included in the design and construction of the I-580 Freeway Extension: 42-inch Barrier Rail at Galena Creek Bridge: A taller, 42-inch barrier rail will be employed along the entire length of the I-580 Freeway Extension corridor as opposed to the standard 32-inch barrier rail typically used. This taller barrier rail will provide an additional level of safety for higher profile passenger and commercial vehicles traveling along the new freeway as well as provide a measure of wind protection on all of the bridges. Additionally, this taller barrier rail will aid in mitigating tire noise projecting from the pavement into the surrounding valleys. Full-width shoulders: Full-width shoulders provide an area where drivers can pull off of the main roadway and out of traffic in the event of an emergency or if they experience vehicle trouble. Shoulders are provided on both the inside and outside in each direction so that drivers will only have to cross over a maximum of one lane to reach the safety of the shoulder. Full-width shoulders are also useful for emergency vehicle access and snow storage during severe winter storms. Drainage ditches: Drainage ditches not only serve the purpose of collecting water and directing it away from the roadway, they also aid in providing rock-fall protection along the highway as it traverses the mountainous terrain. Rock fall models were run to simulate the length and contours of the slopes above the freeway to help determine the size of ditch required to catch falling rock without it bouncing onto the freeway. Emergency turnarounds: There are two emergency turnarounds located along the new freeway, spaced equally from the two interchanges, in order to provide enhanced emergency vehicle response times. These locations also provide a safe place for Highway Patrol Officers and NDOT Maintenance crews to turnaround between interchanges during their patrol and maintenance activities. Lighting: Adequate lighting levels and lighting placement is a critical factor in enhancing safety along any roadway. This facility will be lit in all areas where driver’s decisions are made and at interchanges to ensure that on- and off-ramps, signage, and vehicles entering the roadway are visible. Lighting will also be provided at undercrossings and snow-chain installation areas. For the mainline freeway, the roadway will not be continuously lit in this rural area, to match the surrounding area. Snow-chain installation areas: Chain installation areas will be provided at either end of the new freeway, at the Mt Rose and Bowers Mansion Interchanges. These will provide ample space to pull off of the roadway and install chains in the event they are required to safely navigate ice and snow conditions during winter storms. To provide enhanced visibility and driver safety, additional lighting will be installed that can be activated when chain installation areas are in use. Snow fencing: Snow fencing will be installed along various areas of the alignment in order to minimize the potential for snow-drifts to build up on the roadway and reduce the impact of blowing snow during high winds.. Deer fencing: Special fencing designed to route migrating deer under the freeway at natural channels will be placed along the freeway alignment in areas with known mule deer populations. The fence will be high enough to prevent the deer from jumping over it. Anti-icing system: A new feature being introduced to northern Nevada as part of this project is an automated bridge anti-icing system. Four of the higher and longer bridge decks will be equipped with an automated system that monitors the atmospheric and pavement conditions then engages small sprinkling devices when icy/snowy conditions exist. These devices will spray an environmentally-safe solution onto the bridge deck to inhibit the formation of ice. These systems have been used in states such as Minnesota and Pennsylvania and have proven successful in minimizing dangerous icy road conditions during winter months. Dynamic Message Signs (DMS): NDOT is planning to install Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) to provide drivers with advance warnings of unusual and/or potentially dangerous conditions. These signs are capable of displaying warnings such as inclement weather/high wind advisories, road and lane closures, and traffic incident advisories. The DMS can also display alternate route suggestions for drivers in the event of road closures or unusual events impeding freeway traffic. Currently, DMS are planned for the following locations:
Both the Anti-Icing Systems and DMS will be connected with NDOT’s District 2 Traffic Operations Center to facilitate 24-7 management and deployment of these safety devices. Southbound Arch at Galena Creek Bridge Begins to Take ShapeThe falsework for the southbound arch of the Galena Creek Bridge is under construction and visible from US 395. Approximately half of the falsework is in place and the future arch span can already be seen by local residents and passing motorists. Once complete, there will be two (2) arches, each supporting the southbound and northbound bridge decks respectively. The Galena Creek bridge will measure 1700 in length with an arch span of 690 feet. The bridge deck will stand 295 feet above the base of the creek. Concrete pours for the arch are scheduled to begin the first week of August. I-580 Public Tours RestrictedNDOT has announced it will restrict public tours for the I-580 Freeway Extension Project. The project tours were well received and typically booked months in advance during the tour season. However, with an eye toward fiscal responsibility as well as public safety, project officials decided that restricting the tours until work zone access is increased and made safer would be in the public's and workers' best interests. "As the project moves into the next phases of construction, increased activity on the site will make it difficult to ensure that tour participants have a safe and enjoyable experience," says NDOT Project Manager, Todd Montgomery, P.E. "Also, in light of our State's current budget concerns, we feel that cutting costs in this non-essential area is a fiscally responsible and appropriate course of action." Group and organizational tours may still be available on a limited basis subject to construction activity, weather conditions, and staff availability. Please contact the NDOT Public Information Office at 775-888-7000 for additional information. NDOT will continue to update their project website and publish a project newsletter in an effort to keep the public informed on the project's progress. Hours of ConstructionNDOT is working hard to make progress on the Freeway Extension Project, with as little impact to area residents as possible. This includes keeping the project on schedule and moving forward as rapid as possible. The contractor is generally limited to working on the Galena Creek Bridge and near residential areas from 7:00am to 9:00pm Monday through Friday and, if the contractor chooses, 9:00am to 9:00pm on Saturday and Sunday. Few special situations, such as large pours of concrete, may require extended work hours. These situations will be individually approved by NDOT and noticed on the website well in advance. Additionally, residents within 3 miles (5km) will be noticed 2 weeks in advance of large concrete pours outside of the normal working hours. Project lane closures are also not permitted on state and national holidays, as well as during the local "Hot August Nights" and "Street Vibrations" events.
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