State wants input on 395 traffic concerns

It comes as no surprise to commuters that traffic on Highway 395 between Minden and Carson City is increasing by leaps and bounds.

Nevada Department of Transportation figures back up that fact, showing an increase in daily traffic of 15,000 vehicles in the last 10 years.

With the increase in traffic has come a rise in the number of accidents from tragic fatalities to fender-benders.

Those concerns are to be addressed at community meetings Tuesday at Jacks Valley Elementary School and Jan. 31 at the CVIC Hall in Minden to discuss the Highway 395 corridor.

The Tuesday meeting is a follow-up to a series of gatherings with North county residents and business owners for handling future traffic on Highway 395 between Carson City and Highway 88.

"We've done a lot of brainstorming, now it's time to get down to the nitty-gritty," said project manager Coy Peacock.

Peacock said a study indicated traffic increased from 30,600 on that stretch of highway in 1996 to 45,500 in 2005.

Improvements in the area include a new signal at Stephanie Way and Highway 395 that was to be activated today, a day later than originally planned.

The intersection was the site of two recent fatalities. Bridget Chambers, 17, died July 15, 2005. James David Price, 64, died in an accident in December while the light was under construction.

Peacock acknowledged it took time to install the signal.

"After an accident, there's going to be a major outcry to get it in," he said. "I think people are happy the light is in, but it takes time and study. You just can't slap it up. The light is interconnected with the signal at Johnson Lane to move the traffic through 395."

Additional plans call for the installation of a cable barrier rail down the middle of the median that Peacock expects to get under way this summer or fall.

"The cable actually catches the cars when they go through the median. Studies show it can stop vehicles as large as semi-trucks pulling hay," he said.

Peacock said the median originally was created for drainage when the highway doubled to four lanes.

"Originally, we had to have a place for the water to drain off," he said. "And we didn't have so much traffic. It's becoming a safety issue. We believe the cables can eliminate cross-over traffic."

The Jan. 31 meeting at the CVIC Hall is designed to address traffic on Highway 395 from Highway 88 to the California border.

"We're really looking for ideas as to what people think can fix the congestion on Highway 395. What alternatives can we do? What do people want their community to look like?" Peacock said.

"We really haven't discussed the southern half of the corridor. Do we need a bypass around Minden and Gardnerville? I think the numbers may justify it," he said.

Figures indicate an increase in traffic of nearly 10,000 vehicles daily on Highway 395 a quarter mile south of Muller Lane.

Peacock admits there have been what he called "disagreements" between residents and state officials, most recently over the roundabout that was installed at Highway 88 and County Road in Minden despite strenuous objections from the public.

"It's one of the safest intersection improvements there are," he said. "I think people are finding out that if it is installed correctly, it's much better than a traffic light."

Peacock encouraged residents and business owners to attend either meeting.

"I welcome any and all people," he said. "It's a group effort with NDOT and the local people and business owners. The public has some great ideas."

DETAILS

n Nevada Department of Transportation meeting on future traffic concepts, Highway 395 from Clearview Lane in Carson City to Highway 88 in Minden, 6:30-9 p.m., Tuesday, Jacks Valley Elementary School, 701 Jacks Valley Road;

n Nevada Department of Transportation workshop on transportation needs and suggestions, Highway 395 from Highway 88 to California, 6:30-9 p.m., Jan. 31, CVIC Hall, 1602 Esmeralda Ave., Minden;

Information: Coy Peacock, NDOT project manager, 888-7124.

ON THE WEB

Southern Sierra Corridor Study

www.douglascounty395.com