Nevada starts to clean up after floods; Roads remain closed including Kingsbury Grade

Many roads in Nevada were under water Sunday after torrential rains went through, causing rivers and streams to flood. In Reno alone 50 roads were closed due to high water levels, and all bridges over the Truckee River in Reno were also closed.

The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) spent the day evaluating the state's roads affected by floods and rain. Multiple state roads in the greater Truckee Meadows and Carson Valley areas remain closed, including those in the Sparks industrial area and areas of Reno, including East McCarran Boulevard and South Virginia Street.

Kingsbury Grade remains closed from the summit to Foothill Drive. Last week, NDOT and contractors repaired a sinkhole which formed where a drainage pipe crosses underneath the road at mile marker 4.3, approximately 10 miles up the road on the Carson Valley side.

"All of the new roadway surface and much of the new earth that was placed down to fill this previous erosion remained intact," said Meg Ragonese of NDOT. "Unfortunately, with the overwhelming amount of precipitation, additional erosion occurred in the area, particularly to drainage areas."

With snow and winter weather forecast, NDOT said they will do all possible to repair the road efficiently and quickly, but no time frame has been set.

Some of the greatest flood damage to Nevada roads occurred in the Pyramid Lake area, with extensive damage to State Routes 445, 446 and 447. All three roads are still closed. A 50-foot drop off was created by erosion on SR 446 along Pyramid Lake as shown as the photo. NDOT is clearing and evaluating roadway damages and has begun the process of contracting for emergency repairs to areas of washout. All closed roads in the area will remain closed as repairs are made.

Genoa and Muller lanes in the Minden/Carson Valley area remain closed to through traffic. The entire length of Genoa Lane (between U.S. 395 and Foothill Road) is currently closed. The western section of Muller Lane is closed between U.S. 395 and Foothill Road. Both roads experienced roadway shoulder damage, but are anticipated to reopen within the next day or two. Residents will valid ID are allowed access on Muller and Genoa lanes.

Highway 395 between CarsonCity and Stephanie Lane was closed during the day, but one land is now open so expect slow traffic. The rest of Carson Valley roads closed due to water: Dirt Road Along Powerdam, Nye, Centerville to 88 and Foothill
Dressler from 88 to the Ranchos.

Current problem road areas include Tillman Power Dam Rd., Foothill Kim and Vicky,
Long Valley and James, East Valley and Johnson Lane, Penrod Ditch Road. Douglas County officials are asking drivers stay clear of those areas.

POTHOLING ON I-80 WEST OF RENO
Both directions of Interstate 80 west of Keystone Avenue of downtown Reno has extensive potholing. NDOT maintenance forces have will temporarily filled the potholes, and more permanent pothole repairs will be made soon through an emergency repair contract. All lanes are currently open on I-80 in the Reno-Sparks area.

STATE ROUTE 342 in GOLD HILL AREA CLOSED- Local Traffic Permitted
State Route 342 between Virginia City and the SR 341 junction south of Gold Hill is closed due to flood-related damages. Specifically, roadway shoulders and guardrail on a section of the northbound lane has been damaged. Local traffic is permitted on the southern, top section of State Route 342. The nearby alternate route of SR 341 is available.

STATE ROAD BRIDGE INSPECTIONS
NDOT bridge inspectors have visually assessed state bridges susceptible to high levels of erosion in northwestern Nevada for any imminent bridge safety concerns. No immediate damages or imminent safety concerns were found on state bridges, but NDOT will contract with underwater bridge inspectors as floodwaters subside to review further for any potential bridge damage.