The commission restoring the historic V&T Railroad took another step forward this month, filing with the Public Utilities Commission for permission to build two grade crossings across roads in Lyon County and Carson City.
To get from Virginia City to Carson City, the rail line must cross Linehan Road in Lyon County as well as Highway 50 East. The PUC filing calls for an at-grade crossing for the road in Mound House with train activated gates to warn vehicle traffic.
It says the crossing should be safe because traffic on that road is light and the train would be moving slowly through that portion of its route.
To cross Highway 50 just inside the Carson City line, plans call for an elevated railroad bridge. The Commission for Reconstruction of the V&T Railway already has the bridge, a structure which formerly spanned Interstate 15 in Las Vegas. When installed, it will span 52 feet and provide nearly 21 feet of clearance for highway traffic.
The file includes letters from Carson Mayor Marv Teixeira and Lyon Commission Chairwoman Phyllis Hunewill as well as NDOT Director Susan Martinovich, all supporting approval.
Teixeira has said the V&T should become the centerpiece of what he predicts will become a western, historic attraction that draws tourists from around the world.
The PUC has given supporters and opponents of the project until Aug. 22 to file written comments or petition for permission to intervene in the case. After that, the commission will set a formal hearing date to consider and take action on the application.
When complete, the railway will connect Carson City and Virginia City for the first time in more than 50 years. Thus far, only about a mile and a half of the 18-mile track has been laid. That stretch includes the track over the old Overman Pit in Gold Hill.
Bob Hadfield, chairman of the commission, said they hope to let a contract on four miles of track between American Flat and Mound House this fall.
The project is expected to cost $54 million and take until 2011 to complete.
