Pilot car to take break along Nevada Highway 160 in Pahrump area

Motorists are getting a bit of a break when it comes to travel delays for the upcoming Labor Day weekend.

The Nevada Department of Transportation plans to suspend pilot car work along Nevada Highway 160 between Betty Avenue and Leslie Street in Pahrump from Sept. 1-5 for the Labor Day holiday, the agency announced Monday.

Pilot car or escort vehicle activities are to resume from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, Sept. 6-15, NDOT said in a statement.

Traffic restrictions are required as part of an $8.7 million 14-mile upgrade of Highway 160 between East Basin Avenue to just north of Bell Vista Avenue in Pahrump. Road and Highway Builders is the general contractor.

Plans call for mill-and-overlay improvements for a rejuvenated driving surface, plus adding two flashing arrow solar-powered signs to “Johnnie Curve” as well as a high-friction surface to prevent skidding.

Finally, the turn pocket at U.S. Highway 95 and Highway 160 is being widened and lengthened for a safer, more efficient highway-to-highway connection.

“This cost-efficient project is will extend the highway’s lifecycle while also creating a smoother and safer traveling experience,” NDOT spokesman Tony Illia said in a statement. “The project is anticipated to finish by late October.”

Motorists are asked to use caution while traveling through the work zone, follow construction signs and take alternate routes, if possible.

“NDOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but unscheduled construction changes, closures and restrictions are possible due to weather or other factors,” the department said.

For the latest state highway conditions, visit nvroads.com or call 511 before driving.