Residents voice traffic concerns

Suggestions for a perfect traffic world were presented by more than 100 residents at a meeting with Nevada Department of Transportation officials Wednesday night at the CVIC Hall in Minden.

Douglas County residents shared their thoughts and suggestions concerning traffic on Highways 395 and 88 to the California border with transportation officials and engineers.

"The meeting is an opportunity for people to have a voice," said Coy Peacock, project manager of Nevada's Department of Transportation Program Development Division.

Peacock said there is no money identified for any long-range projects since the state is experiencing a $3.8 billion shortfall.

"With this limited budget, if the county wants a bypass in the future, we have to look at it now," Peacock said. "Concrete, steel and oil are all expensive - it's put a crimp on our projects, but you have to start somewhere and have some sort of a plan."

On the concerns list given priority by residents was the need for a traffic signal at Ironwood Drive and Highway 395, a passing lane at Jackass Flats and Double Springs Road and a need for turn lanes for Washoe Tribal Headquarters and the smoke shop south of the intersection of Riverview Drive and Highway 395.

"I want a light at Centerville and 88," was one suggestion.

"There's a need for a bypass around Minden and Gardnerville - get trucks out of downtown," said a resident concerned with traffic congestion in town.

One daily Highway 395 commuter said she would like to see the speed limit increased south of Ruhenstroth.

"People driving at 40 mph are causing accidents because people are passing them," she said.

A resident of the area in question had a differing view.

"We fought to keep the speed limit at 55 at Topaz because people are already going 70 mph. If people are going 40, too bad. That's life," she said.

The purpose of the Highway 395 corridor study is to give planners and engineers information to determine if improvements are needed to meet existing and future transportation needs. The final report will include three parts: The Early Action Plan identifies which proposed alternatives should begin within a period of seven to 10 years. The Phasing Plan will recommend priorities for additional proposed alternatives and the Financing Plan will identify potential funding sources.

"When we come back with the follow-up meeting, we'll come up with the costs of the suggestions you've put at the top of the list," said Sue Newberry, public information officer for the corridor study. "NDOT will use this information to learn community preferences and identify potential problems to come up with some early action plans and long-term strategies."

The input from Wednesday's meeting will help engineers develop concepts that will be presented in a follow-up meeting in the next month or two.

Details:

-- Information about US Highway 395 study at www.douglascounty395.com

-- Nevada Department of Transportation, www.nevadadot.com