Work on U.S. 50, Kingsbury Grade, winding down

Scott Magruder, spokesman for the Nevada Department of Transportation, said the department has decided not to apply the final layer of payment to Kingsbury Grade until the spring thaw.

Three inches of asphalt has already been applied.

"That's fine for the winter," Magruder said. He said temperatures of 60 degrees or higher are needed for paving.

Magruder also said transportation officials are considering a request by Douglas County officials to put another break in a barrier being constructed along U.S. 50 between Carson City and Spooner Summit.

Douglas County Commissioner Bernie Curtis, who also serves with the Carson City Sheriff's Office, first raised concerns that the barrier, while stopping head-on collisions on the dangerous stretch, would also inhibit emergency personnel from getting to accident scenes.

NDOT designed the project to have only one break, about four miles up the grade from Carson City at a turnout with a pay phone.

Transportation officials are concerned there is really no where else to put another break in the barrier where there is enough sight distance to safely turn around.

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