NDOT Widening Project Staff Report Public Input Needed

NDOT Seeks Public Input on I-80 Widening Project
Environmental Review Open Online and In-Person Through July 18
Staff Report

Northern Nevada drivers have a chance to weigh in on the future of Interstate 80 as the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) seeks public input on a plan to widen one of the region’s busiest stretches of freeway.

The project would expand I-80 from two to three lanes in each direction between Vista Boulevard in Sparks and the USA Parkway interchange, aiming to ease traffic and improve safety on a corridor that sees more than 50,000 vehicles a day.

Locals can review the project’s Environmental Assessment and share feedback both online and in person.

How to Participate:

• Online: Visit I80EastNV.com anytime between June 9 and July 18 to review project documents and submit comments. The virtual hearing is available in English and Spanish.
• In Person: Attend an open house on Wednesday, June 25, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Rainbow Bend Community Clubhouse (500 Rue de la Blanc, Lockwood). A formal presentation will begin at 5:30 p.m.
• Submit Comments: Share input through the website, at the in-person meeting, by email to [email protected], or by mail to NDOT Project Manager Chris Kuhn, 1263 South Street, Carson City, NV 89712. The deadline is 5 p.m. on July 18.
• Those needing accessibility support can contact NDOT Public Involvement Specialist Justin Hopkins at (702) 385-6509 or [email protected].

What’s Proposed:
In addition to adding a third lane in each direction, the project would replace certain bridges, widen shoulders, and improve interchanges along the corridor. NDOT says the upgrades aim to reduce traffic backups and improve safety.

Traffic volume on this stretch has grown by more than 70% over the past decade. NDOT reports an average of 144 crashes per year in the area and estimates that the proposed improvements could lower crash rates by about 20%.

The public hearing is part of the environmental review required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The process follows earlier public meetings held in 2023 and 2024.