BergerWorld: 3rd Quarter 2004

Nevada is the fastest growing state in the United States. As the population grows, the Berger Group has assisted the Nevada DOT in keeping pace with development by building new highways and expanding the capacity of existing routes.

The Berger team was recently selected to study the I-80/US 395 Interchange in downtown Reno and recommend improvements to expand capacity and enhance safety. Berger conducted a preliminary study of the interchange, analyzed alternate improvements and recommended four miles of repavement, the realignment of the ramps serving the 4th Street, Rock Boulevard and East McCarran Interchanges on I-80, the upgrade of the Oddie Boulevard and North McCarran Interchanges at US 395, the reconstruction of 21 bridges and the improvement of six miles of noise barriers. To meet federal funding deadlines, Berger fast-tracked the designs for this $50 million improvement, completing the work on budget and ahead of schedule.

In association with CH2M Hill, Berger also prepared final designs for the $300 million upgrade of the I-580 extension from Reno to Carson City, including two interchanges at Mount Rose Highway and Bowers Mansion Road and improved signage and lighting. In Carson City, Berger is preparing preliminary and final designs for 4.9 miles of the Carson City Freeway and two interchanges at Carson Street and Fairview Avenue. The design team reviewed and updated prior studies and drainage reports, and prepared preliminary and final construction plans and cost estimates.

As part of this project, Berger will also provide five new grade separated crossings; improve drainage, signage and lighting; and introduce enhanced noise barriers and highway safety features. Berger will then supervise the construction of an improved interchange at US 50 East, a partial interchange at Fairview Drive, a grade separated crossing at Fifth Street, a portion of the storm drainage system and roadway improvements. A second phase of the project, scheduled for 2008, will include the completion of Fairview Drive Interchange, a single-point urban interchange at South Carson Street, at-grade crossings at Koontz Lane, Clearview Drive and Snyder Avenue, and the completion of roadway and drainage improvements.

Las Vegas, Nevada's largest city, is known around the world for its spectacular lights, luxurious resorts, acclaimed events and thrilling night-life. Each month the city welcomes thousands of visitors, and for major conventions and holidays, the crowd swells even more. As a result, traffic has become increasingly heavy, and at peak tourist periods drivers encounter frequent gridlock. Traffic has been particularly heavy on I-15, the main artery between Las Vegas and Los Angeles and often the drive can take up to 10 hours.

As part of a comprehensive program to ease traffic in the Resort Corridor, known as the Strip, the Nevada DOT selected the Berger Group to conduct a comprehensive corridor study. The Team analyzed current conditions, conducted a number of traffic studies and prepared 20-year demand forecasts and preliminary designs before recommending a $250 million program of highway improvements, including the construction of a new interchange at Spring Mountain Road and the expansion of Tropicana and Sahara Avenue Interchanges.

Following approval, Berger was selected as lead designer for the $92 million reconstruction of the Spring Mountain Road Interchange. Berger prepared a complex design for a three-level interchange with eight bridge structures, connecting Spring Mountain Road with I-15. The project also included widening and upgrading five miles of roadway between Sahara Avenue and the Southern Las Vegas Beltway and increasing capacity on two major I-15 bridges crossing Spring Mountain Road and the Union-Pacific railroad tracks. In addition, Berger improved signage, lighting, traffic signals along the expanded interchange and designed numerous retaining walls and drainage systems to support this complex interchange. The redevelopment of this crucial highway will improve one of Las Vegas's primary routes, relieving congestion for more than 68,000 drivers per day.

Because of the importance of Spring Mountain Interchange, Berger was required to maintain three lanes of traffic in each direction during construction. To meet these challenging goals, the Team prepared comprehensive traffic control plans, including designed detour roads and temporary traffic signals. Berger also worked with Nevada DOT officials and local property owners to develop a utility plan which facilitated the relocation of power and water lines without disrupting service.