Johnnie Curve upgrade part of $8.7M NDOT project

The Nevada Department of Transportation will undertake $8.7 million in highway improvements in Nye County, according to a press release.

The upgrades will include Johnnie Curve, the section of Highway 160 near mile marker 26.5, and will be done by Sparks-based general contractor Road and Highway Builders, LLC, officials said. Construction begins in March and completion is expected in late fall.

Plans call for 14 miles of mill-and-overlay along Highway 160 from East Basin Avenue to the area north of Bell Vista Avenue.

Mill-and-overlay is a street maintenance technique where a large machine grinds away deteriorated layers of pavement and replaces it with a new asphalt for a rejuvenated driving surface.

Other improvements include storm pipe drainage, hydro-seeding and flattened roadside shoulders in some areas for safer turnouts.

Two flashing arrow signs powered by solar panels and a high-friction surface will be added to Johnnie Curve to prevent skidding through improved traction.

In addition, the turn pocket at U.S. Highway 95 and Highway 160 will be widened and lengthened for a safer highway-to-highway connection.

“This cost-efficient project will extend the highway’s life cycle while also creating a smoother and safer traveling experience,” Assemblyman James Oscarson said.

NDOT unveiled the project plans to the Nye County Commission in September 2015.

The project comes as NDOT is working on two roundabouts on Highway 372. That $4.05 million project is scheduled to be completed in May.

The $3.5 million, 1.75-mile-long widening of Highway 160 between Rainbow Avenue and Calvada Boulevard has been suspended, but should be restarted in April to finish the three-quarter-inch open grade paving needed to complete the project.

NDOT encourages all motorists to use caution while traveling through work zones, heed construction signage, and take alternate routes, if possible.

Unscheduled construction changes, closures and restrictions are possible due to weather or other factors. For the latest state highway conditions, visit nvroads.com or call 511 before driving.

Contact reporter Daria Sokolova at dsokolova@pvtimes.com. On Twitter: @dariasokolova77