Officials approve freeway formally

For at least a decade, Carson City and the Nevada Department of Transportation have planned a freeway more with a handshake than a written agreement.

On Thursday, however, Carson City officials approved the first formal agreements on the freeway project.

NDOT plans to bid Phase 1A of the freeway on Dec. 9. It includes bridge construction over College Parkway, Northgate Lane, Emerson Drive and Arrowhead Drive as well as realignment of Arrowhead and drainage work.

If construction dates hold, by this time next year Carson residents can expect to see streets in a state of semi-disaster.

Knowing who is responsible for what prompted three cooperative agreements between the city and NDOT that explains both parties' responsibilities to the freeway and its construction.

One agreement covers drainage improvements, one covers utilities and the other is a general project agreement that addresses the use of city streets and right-of-way issues during construction of Phase 1A.

Carson City supervisors approved the drainage and project agreements Thursday. The utility agreement is forthcoming.

The drainage agreement sets out Carson's use of almost $6 million from NDOT to implement the city's storm drainage plan.

The drainage system will be an extensive construction of several water detention basins, channels and drains. Without the plan, the freeway would act as a dam for water from the Carson River.

"This is a win-win for everyone involved," Deputy City Manager Dan St. John said. "It's an opportunity for Carson City to spend over $6 million for our benefit when there's no funding mechanism in existence today to fund something like that. We're starting our storm management program with this. We couldn't have done it without NDOT, and we're the one's benefiting."

NDOT saved money by helping Carson's drainage system, allowing engineers to reduce the drainage system under the freeway.

Among other requirements, the project agreement gives NDOT permission to use city facilities and roads. NDOT is responsible for any damage to city roads due to freeway construction. The city will review all traffic control plans to make reasonable accommodations for residents and businesses.