Nevada DOT adds roadway information systems to boost safety on U.S. 395

Updated Apr 15, 2017

Nevada Welcome SignThe Nevada Department of Transportation has begun installing “enhanced information systems” to U.S. 395 in the North Valleys region in an effort to improve traffic safety and mobility.

The installation of technologies such as new roadway signage, ramp meters and wrong-way drive detection systems will continue through early 2018, NDOT says, and will require “periodic” lane, ramp and roadway shoulder closures on the roadway from the Spaghetti Bowl to the California state line.

“We’re dedicated to a state transportation system that keeps Nevada safe and connected,” says NDOT Director Rudy Malfabon. “As with many areas of Nevada, the North Valleys continues to grow. We’re putting priority on additional, future U.S. 395 North Valleys improvements to keep up with that growth.”

Systems to be installed include:

Ramp Meters

These will be installed on U.S. 395 ramps at Oddie Boulevard, North McCarran Boulevard, Clearacre Lane and Lemmon Drive. Ramp meters are traffic signals placed at the top of certain freeway on-ramps to help reduce congestion and enhance safety by more evenly metering the flow of traffic merging onto freeways.

Wrong Way Driver Detection Systems

NDOT currently places “Wrong Way” signs on all freeway ramps to notify drivers errantly trying to enter the freeway in the wrong direction. Additional flashing warning signals and detection systems will be added to U.S. 395 on-ramps in the North Valleys as a highly-visible and additional indication to help stop drivers from entering the wrong way; ultimately enhancing freeway safety.

Travel Time Signs

Roadside travel time signs provide current travel times for drivers to reach key locations such as off-ramps. By knowing the travel time, drivers can make informed decisions, such as if they wish to take another route to most efficiently reach their destination.

Traffic Cameras

By providing nearly up-to-the-second views of travel conditions, traffic cameras help drivers to make travel decisions, such as which route they will take and what time they will leave, before departing for their destination. They also help drivers be prepared for any potential weather conditions prior to driving.

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NDOT says it’s also planning over the next five years to “enhance and extend” the Clear Acre Lane to the southbound U.S. 395 ramp, repave U.S. 395 between McCarran Boulevard and Lemmon Drive and add another southbound lane on U.S. 395. The agency also plans to develop intelligent transportation system updates for I-80 to include signs for displaying variable speed limits.