NDOT completes Spooner drainage project in Carson City

The Nevada Department of Transportation has substantially completed a project to enhance storm drainage, help preserve water quality and reduce erosion on U.S. 50 in south Carson City.

The project replaced more than 50 storm drains and drop inlets, as well as enhanced roadside slopes and curb and gutter on U.S. 50 from the South Carson Street/Spooner junction to Tahoe Golf Club Drive, approximately four and a half miles up U.S. 50. Multiple drainage channels from the highway were improved with additional drainage pipes or rock work to reduce erosion.

Some of the drainage systems were originally constructed when the highway was built more than 50 years ago. The drainage systems carry storm water into the Clear Creek Watershed on the south side of U.S. 50. The project also enhanced roadway safety by replacing many storm grates from near the travel lanes, providing a smoother roadway surface and reducing potential roadway flooding risk. Minor finishing work will be completed on the project in coming weeks.

The approximately $1.2 million project by contractor MKD Construction started in June. The improvements are one part of the Clear Creek Erosion Control Program, a cooperative agreement between NDOT and the Carson Valley Conservation District. Since 2005, NDOT has dedicated more than $4 million to enhance U.S. 50 drainage into the Clear Creek Watershed, with approximately 20,000 feet of drainages downstream of U.S. 50 improved with earth and rock work to reduce erosion. Future projects are planned to further reduce erosion and preserve water quality in the upper Clear Creek Watershed.

Further information is available at www.nevadadot.com/stormwater.