Safety issues tackled by transportation units

Road safety in and between Dayton and Carson City captured the focus of two transportation committees Wednesday.

Dayton residents and officials told the Carson Area Metropolitan Organization (CAMPO) they are ready to put up a traffic signal at no cost to the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) in Dayton at U.S. Highway 50 and Fortune Drive if NDOT gives the green light. Two NDOT officials said required warrants to show traffic conditions merit the signal haven’t been met, but said after the session they didn’t know locals were ready to pick up the cost.

The CAMPO unit deals with transportation issues in Carson City’s area, which includes western Lyon County and northern Douglas County.

Bill Miles of Miles Construction, who also has a development firm called 50 Fortune LLC, said 50 Fortune LLC, Central Lyon County Fire Department, Lyon County and Carson Tahoe would pick up the cost.

“This is kind of a common sense situation,” Miles said. Others testified there are injury and fatality accidents and a signal to slow traffic is necessary.

Steve Bird, an NDOT project manager and senior road designer, and Jason VanHavel, NDOT’s member on the CAMPO board, said a traffic signal there didn’t meet traffic warrant requirements but talked with Miles after the session about what will happen next.

Bird was on hand to report on a $6.2 million safety project along US 50 West though Mound House and into Carson City that will make the Virginia City turnoff intersection similar to the Johnson Lane turnoff in Douglas County, as well as provide some raised medians and other features in an effort to reduce crashes. Bird said upgraded law enforcement already has made some difference.

“Enforcement has been very successful in the Mound House area,” he said.

Meeting right after CAMPO was the Regional Transportation Commission, which deals with Carson City roads and transport networks. Commission members adopted a “complete streets” policy statement, which urges upgrades when appropriate to take into account bicycle and pedestrian needs along with those of motorized vehicles. On hand in support were several members of Muscle Powered, a local biking and walking group.