Details Sought on USA Parkway Project

Approximately 300 people gathered at Silver Stage High School to discuss the USA Parkway project, a major highway development set to begin construction next year and complete by the end of 2017. This four-lane, 18.5-mile highway will connect Interstate 80 to U.S. 50 at Opal Avenue, with approval expected from the Federal Highway Administration early next year.

The public comment period follows the completion of the roadway’s environmental assessment, necessary for obtaining right-of-ways from the Bureau of Land Management and securing federal funding. Pedro Rodriguez, project manager for NDOT, stated the parkway's construction cost is estimated between $35-70 million.

Concerns were raised about the road's potential impact on the area's wild horse population. The environmental assessment has identified locations for wildlife crossings to facilitate safe passage for wild horses, deer, and other wildlife. Additional inquiries focused on road lighting and access points, with Rodriguez noting that the road is only 30% designed, and further details will be determined in the next project phase.

Gretchen Murray, a Silver Springs resident, expressed mixed feelings, acknowledging unease but also excitement about the road's development. The road is expected to significantly reduce travel time for commuters from Lyon County to Reno-Sparks, with trucks comprising about a quarter of the traffic.

The USA Parkway, also known as State Road 439, has been in discussion since 2000. Initial construction was funded by the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center developers between 2006 and 2009. In 2011, NDOT began the environmental assessment, but funding challenges persisted until Tesla Motors Inc. decided to build its battery factory at TRIC, prompting the state to allocate $43 million for right-of-ways.

The public can continue to submit comments on the project to NDOT through November 21.

Originally Posted By The Nevada Appeal