Freeway now reaches Fairview Drive

With Carson City Mayor Bob Crowell riding shotgun, Gov. Jim Gibbons drove a Dodge Durango through a banner Thursday afternoon proclaiming the newest portion of the Carson City Freeway open to the public.

The governor was quickly followed by a noisy parade of souped-up classic cars manned by members of the Karson Kruzers car club.

"Let's finish this road up. Let's keep Carson moving. Let's keep Nevada moving," said Gibbons during the short ceremony underneath the Fifth Street overpass, marking the opening of a two-mile stretch from Highway 50 East to Fairview Drive.

The governor said the completion of the Carson City freeway to Spooner Summit is a "continued priority."

The $45 million extension project began in the fall of 2007 and includes a full interchange at Highway 50 East and a half interchange at Fairview Drive.

There is no exit at Fifth Street.

In addition to the new road, which continues the freeway nine miles from Lakeview Hill to Fairview Drive, the Nevada Department of Transportation extended a multi-use path to Butti Way from Governor's Field.

Supervisor Robin Williamson said she was "thrilled" about the walking/bike path.

"I think it's very exciting," she said.

"We've been waiting on this as long as we've been waiting on the freeway," said Supervisor Pete Livermore.

About 40 members of the Karson Kruzers were invited to the event.

Revving their engines and feeling cocky after Gibbons in his speech gave them a "blanket pardon" to burn rubber on the new asphalt, Corvettes, Corvairs, '57 Chevys and many others raced down the highway.

"We appreciate this opportunity," said Kruzer member Dani Tobey of Dayton. "This is fun."

The next phase of highway construction begins in early spring with the building of bridges on Koontz Lane and Clearview Drive, said NDOT spokesman Scott Magruder.