NDOT
Motorists on I-580 and other freeways approaching Washoe Valley will temporarily see roadside flashing signs prohibiting semi-trucks and other vehicles over nine feet tall between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16 as the Nevada Department of Transportation tests a new, enhanced wind warning system through the Valley.
During the tests, drivers of high-profile vehicles and passenger vehicles will still be permitted to travel on I-580 and Alternate U.S. 395 between Reno and Carson City.
“We have added additional white roadside signs which flash to notify high-profile vehicle drivers when travel is prohibited through Washoe Valley due to high winds. We are simply testing to ensure these new warning signs work as they should during an actual wind event,” NDOT Engineering Services Manager Janelle Thomas explained in a news release. “Large overhead freeway signs will be in place notifying drivers that they can still travel through Washoe Valley during the tests.”
Winds are frequently strong on I-580 and sections of Alternate (Old) U.S. 395 between Reno and Carson City. The white roadside signs being tested are part of an NDOT project to enhance the wind warning system prohibiting high-profile vehicles nine feet or taller such as semi-trucks, trailers and RVs during high winds through Washoe Valley.
The new system helps reduce the amount of wind-related road restrictions for high-profile vehicles with additional wind warning signs and weather monitoring stations. As part of the new system, NDOT installed 34 new roadside signs which flash during wind-related road closures. Wind alerts are also posted on electronic highway message signs, highway advisory radio stations and the 511 Nevada Travel Info system.
New wind speed thresholds have also been established for different roadway segments. The new system continually monitors wind speeds from five roadside monitoring sites.
During wind gust speeds of more than 50 miles per hour on I-580 in Washoe Valley or greater than 40 miles per hour on I-580 between Mt. Rose Highway and north Washoe Valley, highway signs automatically post messages prohibiting high-profile vehicles from traveling through the area. The new wind speed threshold on I-580 through Washoe Valley is fifteen miles per hour higher than the previous threshold, helping to reduce the amount of wind-related closures for high-profile vehicles. High-profile vehicles will also be prohibited and travel speeds reduced during winds of more than 40 miles per hour on Alternate 395 through the Franktown area.
“We’re here to help keep drivers safe and connected on the road,” NDOT District Engineer Thor Dyson explained. “Each of these routes experience unique wind conditions. By establishing different wind thresholds for each roadway through the valley, we anticipate being able to reduce hours of wind-related closures by more than half. And, with additional wind monitoring stations, we are continually monitoring wind conditions to help ensure the highest level of traveler safety.”
While not behind the wheel, drivers can also dial 511 or log onto www.nvroads.com for road updates.
