NDOT to start final bypass leg; Fairview section prepares to open

The Department of Transportation is getting ready to start the final leg of the Carson bypass even as it prepares to open the section south of Highway 50 to Fairview.

The Fairview leg is planned to open with a Fun Run for walkers, runners and bicyclists Sept. 19. Two weeks after that, it will officially open to traffic.

NDOT Spokesman Scott Magruder said Wednesday the state still doesn't have funding for the final section of the project, which will connect the freeway back to U.S. 395 South at Spooner Junction. That project is estimated at $140 million.

He said, however, they do have funding for the two bridges in that section of the project. Bids should go out in October for the overpass bridges at Koontz Lane and Clearview Drive with construction beginning in early 2010.

Since the bypass will be at ground level south of Fairview, both those structures will be at ground level with the freeway passing beneath.

"This will help speed up the final phase because we'll have the Koontz and Clearview structures constructed," said Magruder.

The work, including utility and drainage work which must be done before the final leg of the freeway is built, will take about two years.

As for the final phase of the bypass, he said NDOT is still seeking federal funds for that work.

Magruder said area residents were updated on the project in a Wednesday evening public meeting at Fuji Park. He said one thing residents need to be aware of is that, as work reaches Edmonds and the freeway right-of-way, Colorado Street and Valley View Drive will be closed to through traffic.

Contact reporter Geoff Dornan at gdornan@nevadaappeal.com or 687-8750.