I-580 through Washoe Valley closes at 7 p.m. due to wind, NDOT to assess road Tuesday morning

UPDATE 6:31PM: I-580 from Bowers Mansion to Eastlake will be closed in both directions beginning at 7 p.m., Monday night, according to the Nevada State Police Highway Patrol Division. NDOT will assess road conditions at 7 a.m. Tuesday morning. Winds are expected to be in excess of 60 mph this evening.

Alternative routes to and from Reno include taking US-50 past Dayton to Silver Springs and taking USA Parkway to I-80. If heading to Carson, reverse the route taking I-80 to USA Parkway and then US-50 to Silver Springs and Dayton. Taking Eastlake around the east side of Washoe Lake may also be possible. Drive slowly.

UPDATE 3:35PM: The Nevada Department of Transportation says it anticipates the potential closing of I-580 through Washoe Valley early Monday evening through Tuesday morning if necessitated by dangerous ice and wind conditions, according to a news release.

Any potential decision to close the interstate will be made based on updated weather conditions, and with motorist safety as top priority, the release states.

Due to 50 mph-plus winds and severe winter driving conditions that has led to low visibility and vehicle crashes, NDOT has been escorting vehicles on both directions of Interstate 580 in Washoe Valley through Monday afternoon.

NDOT reminds motorists of the following:

— Pilot car traffic has led to hour-plus travel times through Washoe Valley. Motorists are advised to avoid non-essential travel through Washoe Valley.

— Motorists who must travel through the valley are encouraged to leave early if possible and anticipate slow travel and potential roadway closures. High gasoline levels and winter driving essentials (www.dot.nvgov/winter) are always encouraged in winter conditions.

— As temperatures drop this evening, wind-blown snow compacted by vehicle tires could lead to unpredictable and unanticipated icy spots on the interstate.

Alternate U.S. 395 through Washoe Valley may also close in both directions if necessitated by continuing icy conditions (southbound Alt. U.S. 395 is currently closed). Drivers should check NVRoads.com for up-to-the-minute highway conditions and potential closures before driving. Alternate state highway routes can be found by searching “state maps” at dot.nv.gov.
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UPDATE 2:28PM: Traffic through Washoe Valley on I-580 has been reduced to 1 lane in each direction with an NDOT pilot vehicle running traffic through, according to law enforcement. Old US-395 from Davis Creek Park to Eastlake Boulevard (South) in Nevada is open for southbound only traffic. US-395 Alternate northbound from Bowers is open, according to the Nevada State Police, Highway Patrol Division.

NHP and NDOT advise that motorist can go through Eastlake and take US 395 to get them to either Reno or Carson City, said Trooper Charles Caster. The I-580 freeway traffic is backed up into Carson City. The piloted NDOT vehicles through Washoe Valley is causing much of the backup. See NVroads.com for the latest.

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The Nevada State Police, Highway Patrol Division is reporting multiple traffic incidents and crashes Monday morning in Washoe Valley causing travel backup issues.

Crashes and incidents are reported at I-580 and Bellvue, 395 Alt and Eastlake and there's a vehicle slide off at Bower's Mansion, among several reports coming into law enforcement. Nevada State Police and the Nevada Department of Transportation reminds motorists that blowing snow can create limited visibility.

"There are multiple crashes in the area," said Trooper Charles Caster. "The wind is causing several problems through the valley. People should ... take alternate routes and slow down while driving in the valley."

According to NVroads.com vehicles over 9 feet high are prohibited on I-580 through Washoe Valley and on Old US-395 from Davis Creek Park to Eastlake Boulevard. Chains or snow tires required on I-580 from Eastlake Boulevard (Exit 10) to Old US-395 (Exit 16).

There is a High Wind Warning for the areas of Reno to Carson City and Carson Valley as well as Lake Tahoe through Tuesday morning.

The system will produce south to southwest winds 20 to 40 mph with gusts up to 70 mph expected. Wind prone locations along US-395, I-580 through Washoe Valley may see gusts exceed 80 mph at times.