NDOT says county must pick up the tab

MINDEN - Those who want to get around Carson Valley had better get over the idea of the state paying for it, Nevada's transportation chief says.

Though Highway 395 now suffices for traffic between Carson City and Minden and Gardnerville, Nevada Department of Transportation Director Tom Stephens told Douglas County leaders they should start planning a second route between the areas - maybe even a bypass.

"In the long run, that's got to be one of your big challenges," Stephens said. "It's not going to go away."

But the state won't be leading the effort, Stephens said. State resources are already devoted to a series of "super projects" like widening freeways in Las Vegas and building a freeway between Reno and Carson City. So the county would have to lead.

"Our plate is overflowing," he said. "If you want us to help you, we'll be there to do it, but the spark needs to come from you."

The state will, however, be handling a $9.2 million overlay of Highway 395 between Carson City and Minden. The project is scheduled to go to bid in the coming week.

Stephens said crews will try to work nights and avoid weekends, but predicted delays are inevitable.

"I wish I could tell you it's going to be done painlessly," he said.

NDOT engineer Reid Kaiser said the highway will be divided into five sections.

"There's not going to be just one long construction zone," he said.

The Highway 395 job is one of several projects scheduled for Douglas County this year. Others include an overlay and widening on Centerville Lane, erosion, drainage and water quality improvements along Highway 50, flush sealing on Foothill Road and installation of solar tire chain signs in several locations.