$800 million project connects Pyramid and US 395

A project to let Pyramid Highway traffic move better has its proposed route, the Regional Transportation Commission said Friday.

The Pyramid Highway/U.S. 395 Connection Project is estimated to cost $800 million with design expected to start in 2019 and construction to start as soon as 2022.

It started taking shape 20 years ago with initial discussion and then had an environmental analysis started 10 years ago.

It would run two major roads from the Pyramid Highway to the west that eventually join near the southeast end of Sun Valley and cross a bridge over Sun Valley Boulevard before reaching U.S. 395 near the Washoe County Sheriff's Office.

The RTC says among the four alternatives considered, the recommended alternative had the least environmental impact.

The RTC began discussing plans to improve traffic flow on the Pyramid Highway in 1998 as major growth was projected for Spanish Springs Valley. A draft environmental impact statement was released in 2013 describing alternatives and impacts.

The RTC chose Alternative 3. In addition to improvements on the Pyramid Highway, such as dedicated turn lanes and some widening, it adds two highways that go to the west. One, called the U.S. 395 Connector, splits from the Pyramid Highway in the area of the Spring Creek subdivision and north of the Summit Ridge Christian School. It runs along the ridgeline heading to the south end of Sun Valley. Also, Disc Drive is extended west and after about it mile it joins the U.S. 395 Connector.

The road then goes over Sun Valley Boulevard using a newly-built bridge south of Rampion Way. The U.S. 395 Connector then runs alongside Dandini Boulevard before reaching U.S. 395.

The plan also includes a new road called West Sun Valley Boulevard that stretches from West Second Avenue to Raggio Parkway.

The accepted alternative will displace 27 homes, 27 mobile homes and 35 apartments in 7 buildings, the RTC said. Also 10 businesses will be relocated.