Barrier being built for U.S. 395

Work on a nine-mile cable barrier in the median of Highway 395 between Minden and Carson City will begin in August.

The $1.6 million barrier is designed to prevent head-on collisions on the four-lane highway while continuing to permit the ditch down the middle of the highway to perform its drainage function.

"The two main advantages of the cable barrier are the elimination of head-on collisions while allowing for proper drainage," said Nevada Department of Transportation Director Susan Martinovich.

The barrier won't eliminate any left-turn lanes on the highway, according to transportation spokesman Scott Magruder.

On July 12, 2004, Nicole Snyder was killed when a motorist in the oncoming lane lost control of her vehicle and jumped the median.

Her parents, John and Patti Snyder, said they received a phone call from the state about the project a few months ago.

"I'm glad they're finally taking care of this," John Snyder said on Monday. "I'm glad to see something being done."

Patti Snyder was also happy to see the barrier go up, but wished drivers changed their behavior on the highway.

"I just wish people would slow down and not tailgate," she said.

Magruder said the barrier, which is being built by Coral Construction Co. of Wilsonville, Ore., is more cost-effective than building a wall and will do the same job.

The barrier will run from just north of Muller Lane to just south of Jacks Valley Road. It will be built at night between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. Magruder said there should be few traffic delays due to construction.

"We have a strategic highway safety plan and this is included as one of the more cost effective safety measures," he said. "This is a perfect place lots of traffic, and some history of some head-ons. couple of months."

The project is expected to be completed by the end of the year.