The Nevada Department of Transportation announced on April 2 that traffic shifts and speed reductions will begin April 6 on Interstate 80 directly west of Reno as the agency launches a multi-year project to replace seven interstate bridges.
From April 6 through spring 2028, drivers traveling between I-80 exits 4-7, from Mae Anne Avenue to Boomtown, will encounter lane shifts and overnight lane reductions. During the initial week of construction, interstate lanes will be shifted to the outside shoulder and roadside construction barrier rail will be installed. At least two lanes in each direction will remain open during daytime hours, while periodic overnight reductions to one lane in each direction are scheduled between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. on weekdays. Drivers are advised to drive attentively and anticipate ongoing lane shifts, changing traffic control, and reduced speeds.
Continuing after mid-April, similar traffic patterns will persist through spring 2028. Traffic shifts and crossovers at the Mae Anne Avenue overpass and in the Mogul area will route vehicles around active bridge demolition and reconstruction zones. Speed limits in work zones will be reduced to 55 mph. Intermittent side street closures and brief interstate detours may occur as individual bridge sections are removed; advance notice will be provided for these changes.
NDOT is replacing seven bridges from west of Robb Drive to the Garson Road overpass in Verdi due to their age—approximately sixty years—and because they have exceeded their originally anticipated fifty-year lifespan. The new structures will carry the same number of lanes but feature slightly wider shoulders for improved maneuverability during incidents or emergency response. Extensive seismic protections are being incorporated into construction to reduce earthquake impacts. On the Garson Road bridge at Boomtown, NDOT plans a barrier-separated shared use path that can connect with future local pedestrian projects.
Decorative elements reflecting Truckee River habitat—including images of water, fish, dragonflies, fly fishermen—and decorative rock material for erosion control are planned for the new bridges. The $68 million federally funded project aims to enhance safety for approximately 47,000 daily travelers; this funding is strictly dedicated to bridge replacement rather than road widening projects.
The Nevada Department of Transportation manages about 5,400 miles of highways and more than 1,000 bridges statewide according to the official website. The department promotes roadway safety through programs targeting zero fatalities and advances multimodal planning for aviation, public transit, freight, bicycle and pedestrian needs according to the official website. Operations are organized through three districts covering southern, northwest and northeast Nevada with major maintenance stations providing statewide coverage according to the official website. A seven-member board oversees NDOT operations according to the official website.
Other longer-span interstate bridges over the Truckee River in Verdi are scheduled for replacement under a separate future project according to the official roster page.
