Conceptual Alignment Maps Available for Review

Conceptual alignment maps are now available for review and comment. These maps are provided as an overview of the concepts being studied as part of the Pyramid Highway/US 395 Connection study. The maps display potential solutions to relieve traffic congestion and provide improved east/west connectivity within the study area and to determine the footprint for the initial environmental field studies which will begin in December 2009. More detailed engineering will follow the findings of the environmental field studies and additional traffic analysis which will take place through early 2010.

Comments and questions regarding the conceptual maps may be directed to dmaloy@rtcwashoe.com

Pyramid Freeway Concept map includes:

• Conceptual transition from Pyramid Freeway to an arterial north of Eagle Canyon
• Conceptual interchange and frontage road locations along northern Pyramid Freeway from Sparks Boulevard to Eagle Canyon
• Conceptual Pyramid Freeway on existing alignment between Disc Drive and Sparks Boulevard with frontage Roads
• Conceptual Pyramid Freeway alignment traversing through the hills west of existing Pyramid Highway and commercial/residential developments
• Click here to view Pyramid Freeway conceptual map

The New Connector from US 395 to Vista Boulevard map includes:

• Two Connector Interchange Concepts at US 395
• Three Connector Concepts from west Sun Valley to Pyramid Freeway
• One Connector Concept from Pyramid Freeway to Vista Boulevard
• Click here to view Pyramid/US 395 Connector conceptual map

The alternatives analysis process has been designed to identify those alternatives that best satisfy the study's Purpose and Need and warrant additional study, while eliminating under-performing alternatives. For this study, the process has been broken down into three (3) screening levels. Those alternatives that remain at the end of each consecutive level undergo increasingly rigorous analysis to determine which alternative(s) best suit the Purpose and Need identified at the beginning of the study while minimizing environmental impacts. The end result will be a preferred alternative(s) which will be thoroughly evaluated for environmental impacts and possible mitigation measures. The preferred alternative(s), its impacts, and associated mitigation measures will then be described in detail within the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).