Freeway opens to a flurry of heavy (foot) traffic

The new Carson City Freeway suffered its first traffic jam Saturday morning, but because of the slow speeds - only about 3 mph - no injuries were reported. Perhaps because both parties involved were on foot.

More than 1,000 people turned out on a chilly Saturday morning to take part in a rare opportunity. The first and only chance to walk, run, bike and blade along a brand new freeway, even before the motorized vehicles had a shot at it.

"What a unique opportunity to enjoy this freeway before it officially opens," NDOT spokesman Scott Magruder said.

The field consisted of all ages and ability levels, from the serious runners to the leisurely joggers and their four-legged friends. Michelle Lehmann and her husband, Sean, both of Carson City, came out to try the run.

"I never thought it would be finished, so I guess we are running it to make sure it's actually done and to test it," Michelle said. "But I don't think we'll hit 65 (mph)."

Barbara Jackson of Carson City brought her dog Spooner to run the 10k with her. She wanted a first look before she starts driving it when it opens Thursday afternoon.

"I've been waiting for this to open for a long time," Jackson said. "I'm a commuter to Reno and this will cut between 10 and 15 minutes off my drive to work."

The course began on the northbound ramp at the intersection of Highway 50 East and traveled north, with the 5k runners turning around at the intersection of College Parkway while the 10k runners went all the way to the end of the freeway, north of Arrowhead Parkway before turning around.

The course was designed by Fleet Feet, 3246 North Carson St., and was an exact 5k and 10k course. Rodrigo Melgarejo, a lab assistant from Carson City, was the first to finish the 5k with a time of 21:20.

"It's a nice freeway, they did much better than I thought," Melgarejo.

Just three seconds behind Melgarejo was Ruedy Edgington, an NDOT employee from Reno and his dog Amanda. In third was Marvin Gerrard of Carson City, a buildings and grounds worker for the State of Nevada.

"I'm excited and glad they are finally going to open it," Gerrard said.

The first finisher in the 10k was Scott Robertson of Reno with a time of 39:15.

"It's an excellent course and a nice freeway and on a beautiful day too," Robertson said.

In addition to the runners, hundreds of people turned out on bikes and rollerblades to try out the new freeway, including 56-year-old Steve Fonda of Carson City, who broke out his roller skies for the event.

"I haven't been on these for 10 years and they run smoother on new pavement," Fonda said. "I did it for the U.S. Olympic Nordic Team to say good luck in Italy."

One of the youngest participants in the 5k race was 6-year-old Blanca Sosa of Carson City, who finished the course in just over 37 minutes. Her first comments when she crossed the finish line - "I have to pee, bad."

The section used for the event is the first phase of a larger project that will end at Highway 50 West at Spooner Summit, effectively bypassing downtown Carson City by 2010. Phase 1, a 4.5-mile stretch was completed at total cost of $120 million while the entire project is expected to cost taxpayers $330 million.

NDOT officials have planned a ribbon cutting for 2 p.m Thursday on the freeway, after which the road will be open to traffic. Once the first leg is opened, Carson Street will also be known as Business 395.

-- Contact reporter Jarid Shipley at jshipley@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.

The Carson City freeway

Total cost: $330 million

Phase 1: From Highway 395 at Lakeview Hill to Highway 50 East, included building the four bridges spanning Arrowhead Drive, Northgate Lane, Emerson Drive and College Parkway. Those bridges cost $14 million, plus $70 million in construction and right-of-way costs, bringing the total cost of phase one to $120 million. The general contractor was Ames Construction.

Phase 2: From Highway 50 to Fairview Drive. The state will seek a contractor this summer. Lennie Boteilho, senior manager for Ames Construction, said his company will most likely bid on this phase.

This $50-million section is planned to be completed in 2008. Full interchanges will be constructed at Highway 50 East and at Fairview Drive. Grade separation structures will be built at Fifth Street, Koontz Lane, Clearview Drive and Snyder Avenue. The separations will allow traffic to pass over the freeway with no access provided to the freeway.

Phase 3: The last $110-million section to a full interchange with Highway 50 at the base of Spooner Summit should be completed by 2010. All rights-of-way are not yet acquired.

Washoe Valley connection:

The interstate under construction in Washoe Valley will connect with Highway 395 at the north end of Washoe Valley. It is scheduled to be completed in 2009. The whole length - from Reno through Carson City - will be called Interstate 580.

- Source: NDOT