Main Street work takes holiday break

Commuters who’ve spent most of the last four months trying to get from Minden to Gardnerville on Main Street received an early Christmas present with the news that work is wrapping up until next year.

“A holiday hiatus will take place on a continuing project to reconstruct Highway 395; with major highway resurfacing to take place next year,” Nevada Transportation Meg Ragonese said.

Long lines of cars, particularly in the southbound lanes, has been a constant feature since September as crews worked on highway drainage, curb and gutter in preparation for massive repaving scheduled for next spring.

“Thus far, crews have completed more than 75 percent of the roadside drainage and transportation conduit work needed for the future highway reconstruction,” she said.

Residents might prefer a big storm in mid-January to road work, but barring some severe weather, workers will be back to wrap up the other 25 percent, mostly on southbound 395 between Mill Street and Waterloo Lane seven days a week.

Work next spring will see 15 inches of the pavement across a half-mile of Highway 395 from Waterloo Lane to Toler Avenue pulverized and blended with new cement to create a sturdier and durable roadway base.

“Six inches of new asphalt will then be placed over the new roadway base for a smoother and safer roadway surface,” Ragonese said.

Down the road in the S-Curve workers will excavate 18 inches of roadway before reconstructing and resurfacing the road.

Almost 3 inches of aging pavement surfaces will be removed and replaced between the S Curve and First Street in Minden.

Electronic flashing pedestrian crossing signs will be installed or upgraded near Mission Street and Kingslane Court, allowing pedestrians to activate the signs to help stop traffic as they cross the street and upgraded lighting will be installed as part of existing lighting fixtures.

“Underground conduit lines will also be enhanced for better connectivity to roadway cameras, road-weather information systems, and more, Ragonese said. “This also provides opportunity for early installation of future electrical and communications including fiber optic cables, as part of a broader plan to make high-speed internet more accessible throughout Nevada.”

It has been more than 20 years since Main Street through Gardnerville was repaved. The road serves around 20,000 vehicles a day, including heavy trucks and commercial vehicles.

Improvements in future years will include additional sidewalk and accessibility improvements, as well as remaining roadway drainage, signals, and lighting enhancements.

CONSTRUCTION LOOK AHEAD

Beginning in early spring 2024, just under two miles of U.S. 395 between Waterloo Lane and First Street in Gardnerville will be completely reconstructed and repaved. Drivers should anticipate the following construction on sections of U.S. 395 between Waterloo Lane and First Street during highway reconstruction.

• Lanes will be slightly reduced in width and shifted in the work zone 24/7.

• Drivers should anticipate shifting traffic control and 24-7 travel delays through the work zone as semi-permanent barriers are placed in work areas for driver and worker safety.

• At least one lane in each direction and one access to each business will remain available during construction. NDOT encourages the community to support local businesses during construction.

• Alternate routes are advised for those traveling through without a planned destination in the work zone.

• Left-hand turns and travel across intersections will periodically be prohibited as intersections are reconstructed and new road surface placed.

• Expect reduced speeds through the work zone and provide extra time to reach destinations.

• While pedestrian and bicycle access will remain available, marked pedestrian detours will be in place in certain sections of the work zone.

• Construction schedule is weather permitting and subject to change.z