Welcome to the Pyramid Highway | US 395 Connection!
The Pyramid Highway/US 395 Connection Study is an environmental and engineering study being conducted by the Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County (RTC) on behalf of the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) and in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). This study is evaluating alternatives to relieve traffic congestion on the Pyramid Highway and provide improved east/west community connectivity from Pyramid to U.S. 395 and east to Vista Boulevard. Alternatives will be developed and evaluated to provide for today's traffic and anticipated future growth through the year 2035.
Environmental Field Surveys continue on Pyramid Highway/US 395 Connection EIS Study
Environmental field surveys for the Pyramid Highway/US 395 Connection Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Study are nearly complete. Specialists from RTC and their consultants have been conducting environmental surveys for this EIS in accordance with right-of-entry permissions obtained for those properties that needed to be accessed.
The purpose of the surveys is to document existing environmental and physical conditions in order to determine potential impacts from roadway alignment alternatives that may evolve from this study. The surveys can include, but are not limited to, surveys for wetlands, wildlife and wildlife habitat, endangered species, water resources, historic and archaeological sites, hazardous materials, noise monitoring, visual assessments, and preliminary engineering. The surveys are generally non-invasive, and at most, consist of digging minor soil tests and/or placing marker flags on the property.
For any questions or concerns regarding the field activities, or the Study in general, you can contact RTC's Project Manager--Doug Maloy--at (775) 335-1865 or email dmaloy@rtcwashoe.com
Thank you for your assistance!
Pyramid Highway/US 395 Connection Study Quick Facts
Improving transportation in one of the busiest areas in the Truckee Meadows begins with involving the public. The study, which is estimated to be completed in 2011, will include ongoing public outreach efforts to provide multiple avenues for the public to comment, ask questions, and receive updates on the study's progress.
The need for the Pyramid Highway/US 395 Connection Study is based on information developed for the Pyramid Highway Corridor Management Plan (CMP), October 2001. The purpose of the project is to achieve the transportation objectives identified in the CMP by addressing the following transportation issues:
1. Address existing congestion problems on Pyramid Highway
2. Service existing and forecasted population growth
3. Address existing travel inefficiencies
4. Address safety problems on Pyramid Highway
5. Address existing and future access needs
6. Be responsive to regional and local plans
*Estimated Study Timeline
2008-Spring 2011 - Alternatives development, analysis, and screening
Spring 2012 - Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS)
Fall/Winter 2013 - Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS)
Spring 2014 - Record of Decision (ROD)
**To be determined - Preliminary and Final Design, right-of-way acquisition, construction
*Timelines provided are presented for general reference only.
**Design and construction are dependent upon the ultimate outcome of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process (i.e determination made in the ROD), availability of funding, and final project approval from the RTC Board of Commissioners.
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