395 work ramps up this month

In mid-September, preliminary construction on a multi-year project to rebuild and repave portions of Highway 395 in downtown Gardnerville.

“Highway drainage, sidewalk, and curb and gutter improvements, as well as finishing utility relocation work, are anticipated to launch during the third week of September and take place through mid-winter,” Nevada Department of Transportation Spokeswoman Meg Ragonese said.

Drivers should anticipate single lane, primarily daytime lane closures on Highway 395 as preliminary construction takes place this fall and early winter.

Major project construction on the highway between Waterloo Lane in Gardnerville and First Street in Minden is expected to launch by spring of 2024 and wrap up by the end of 2024. It has been 20 years since the last time that stretch of highway has been repaved.

“Sections of aging roadway surface and base will be pulverized and blended with cement to create a sturdier and more durable roadway base,” Ragonese said. “New asphalt will then be placed over the improved roadway base for a smoother and safer roadway surface. In certain areas, an even more aggressive roadway modification will excavate 18 inches of the roadway base before reconstructing and resurfacing. Roadway drainage, accessibility and other improvements will also be made.”

As major construction launches, drivers can anticipate lanes being reduced and shifted 24-7 through the work zone as semi-permanent barriers are placed in work areas for driver and worker safety.

Crews will work to maintain at least one lane in each direction and one access to each business during construction. Alternate routes will be encouraged during construction for those traveling through without a planned destination in the work zone.

Well south of Gardnerville, work to shift Highway 395 away from Topaz Lake is moving forward.

“The Topaz Emergency project work is progressing at a rapid pace,” California Department of Transportation spokesman Michael Lingberg said. “Crews are focusing on the completion of necessary earthwork to make room for the highway shift, however there is a lot of earth that must be moved. Once earthwork is accomplished, the new lanes will be constructed.”

A half-mile section of the road is under construction 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. with a pilot car during work hours and a traffic light after work hours.

Drivers should expect up to 20-minute delays.