Road construction in the Reno / Tahoe area is constant during the warmer spring and summer months. Learn about Reno’s highway construction projects and what to expect on the roads when driving in the Reno / Tahoe region.
Interstate 80 (I80) west of Reno
Interstate 80 (I80) is the main and most direct east-west route from Reno and over the Sierra Nevada Mountains to California. It is undergoing a major multi-year construction project involving numerous stretches of highway from the Nevada / California state line to Colfax, CA. Motorists can expect restricted traffic and delays 24/7 while the project is active.
US 395 in Reno
The 395 North American Improvement Project in Reno will create a bottleneck in slowing traffic for approximately three miles, where 395 approaches the intersection with I80 (known as the Spaghetti Bowl). Motorists and commuters will experience delays for approximately 18 months. New northbound traffic lanes at 395 will open in late 2011, with project completion scheduled for early 2012.
Road closures in Reno and Washoe County
To find out where streets in Reno are under construction or blocked to traffic, check the city’s road closures and restrictions. For similar information on Washoe County, see the Regional Transportation Commission’s Highway Project Summary Reports.
Around lake tahoe
There are several highway projects that affect road trips around Lake Tahoe. Much of the work is designed to protect Lake Tahoe’s water quality by improving drainage systems to capture stormwater runoff and filter dirt, oil, and debris before it can contaminate the lake. The TahoeRoads.com website has details, including an interactive map that shows where work is being done and provides details on each project.
All around Nevada
Visit the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) website for information on highway construction projects throughout the state. If you are traveling far from the Reno / Tahoe area, this is a good place to see what is happening along the route you plan to take. The site has an interactive map that shows construction zones, provides job descriptions, and shows current road conditions.
Highway 50 closure at Echo Summit
Starting Wednesday, May 11, US 50 will be closed at the Echo Summit for about two weeks. That’s the Sierra Pass over the southwest corner of the Lake Tahoe Basin. There are, however, other ways for those who need to cross the Sierra south of Lake Tahoe. The main detour involves freeways 88, 49 and 16. The detours add 35 miles to the trip and extra time, but you will be able to travel through California’s Golden Country and perhaps visit some places you haven’t seen before.
Sources: Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT), California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).
