The eastbound stretch of Highway 50 East between Lompa and Humboldt lanes will be widened starting next week, which means all five lanes of the road will be shifted to the north so that crews can work, said Scott Magruder, Nevada Department of Transportation spokesman.
"The work in this area of the project has been designed to limit the disruption to businesses and residents as much as possible," said Magruder.
He noted that the construction will not impede access into and out of businesses in the area.
Magruder said the highlights of the widening are as follows:
• The construction will begin with widening on the south side of the street.
• Two lanes of traffic in each direction will be maintained during the day.
• Left-turn lanes will be maintained with temporary traffic signals at the existing signalized intersections
• Access will be maintained to all businesses and residents during construction.
• Weekend work will only be allowed in extreme situations and all businesses will be notified in advance.
• The contractor is allowed to work around the clock to expedite the construction.
• Once the work on the eastbound lanes is complete, the traffic will be shifted to the eastbound lanes to begin the reconstruction of westbound lanes.
Road and Highway Builders of Reno are working on this $45 million project that involves the U.S. 50 East work.
An earlier phase, opened in February 2006, completed the first half of the freeway from the north end of Carson City at highways 395 to 50 East.
The current construction phase will also including building overpasses at both Fifth Street and Fairview Drive to go over the freeway that will be at, or below, ground level at this point.
• Contact reporter F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.