Construction of the $72 million Interstate 80 design and build project is on its last leg of work. It started 18 months ago and the end is just around the corner.
Officials say they are a month ahead of schedule and actually just finished putting in a new on-ramp in Sparks. The loop will clear congestion and provide easier access onto I-80 westbound at Sparks Boulevard.
"We get a lot of semi traffic coming out of the Alamo so they'll have this free access not controlled by a signal or anything to westbound I-80," says NDOT resident engineer Rick Bosch.
Bosch says the new Sparks loop will be open sometime next week but the loop is just one aspect of the I-80 project.
The project actually spans 10 miles from Vista Boulevard to Robb Drive.
It includes pavement rehabilitation on approximately 40-year-old concrete between Keystone Avenue and Fourth Street, as well as installing intelligent transportation system, signing and striping, drainage and ramp improvements and landscaping and aesthetics enhancements along I-80 between Robb Drive and Vista Boulevard.
The speed limit is 55 miles per hour in the construction area. Officials say make sure you take it slow.
"People get so used to seeing construction zones they don't pay a lot of attention to them. We do have a lot changes going on out here so we do ask people please pay attention to the speed limit signs.
The good news here is the entire project is expected to be completed by October.
Written by Chris Ciarlo
