ELKO - Detours began June 3 on Interstate 80 through the Carlin Canyon area for the Carlin Tunnels Project, the Nevada Department of Transportation has announced.
Westbound traffic will be detoured to the adjacent old highway U.S. 40, bypassing the under-construction tunnel area. Meanwhile, eastbound traffic will continue to travel through the tunnel in which construction is not underway. The detour is expected to add less than five minutes of travel time for each trip through the construction zone, with posted speed limits reduced to 55 miles per hour or less as needed.
The approximately $31 million project by Q&D Construction will improve close to two miles of I-80 through the Carlin Canyon, located approximately seven miles east of Carlin and 14 miles west of Elko.
The roadbed leading up to and through the Carlin Tunnels will be reconstructed, including enhanced roadway drainage and new concrete near tunnel entrances. Tunnel lighting will be renovated with a new LED system, which improves driver visibility by gradually dimming or brightening lighting to match outside conditions. The project will also enhance and retrofit eight bridges and improve intelligent transportation systems such as tunnel monitoring cameras and ice warning system.
The project is anticipated to complete in fall 2014. The project utilizes the innovative Construction Manager at Risk construction method, estimated to have cut eight months from the original project timeline by integrating the contractor into project design for further construction efficiencies.
NDOT is improving approximately 55 miles of I-80 in northeastern Nevada this summer. Warning signs, detours, lower speed limits, protective barriers, lane closures and flaggers will be used to enhance safety through the Carlin Tunnels and other work zones.
Work zone driving tips are available at www.nevadadot.com/safety. Updates on current state road construction are available by logging onto www.nvroads.com or calling 511 before driving.
Nevada law doubles the penalty for speeding, up to $1,000, in any marked road construction or maintenance work zone when workers are present.
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