First phase of Spaghetti Bowl project on pace to begin this summer

A major roadway project is getting closer to construction.

The first phase of the Spaghetti Bowl is expected to begin summer 2020. The first phase consists of expanding the I-80 eastbound to I-580 southbound on-ramp. Currently, two lanes converge into one before 580. But the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) wants to extend it to two lanes the entire stretch.

On December 17, 2019, the first phase of the project passed a major hurdle as it was approved by the Nevada Transportation Board.

Now, NDOT engineers are planning on how they will attack the first phase.

“As we continuing design, that is when we will develop the final traffic control,” said Meg Ragonese, spokesperson with NDOT. “It will be part of construction. While that traffic control isn't finalized yet, what we want community members to know is that we are going to do all possible to reduce impact to commutes as we construct these need improvements."

Ragonese says more details will come as the first phase begins. The total first phase will cost $223 Million.

Since only one company applied for the first phase, Ragonese says that meant they won’t be able to use federal funds. Instead state funds will be used.

The Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County unanimously approved the funding for the first phase at December 20, 2019 meeting.

The entire project is expected to last 20 years. For more information,

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