NDOT: Planning in place to handle increased traffic

Movie-goers pouring into the parking lots at Casino Fandango and Galaxy 10 Theaters have sharply increased traffic volume in the in the area.

Despite the number of visitors - which Galaxy Theaters president Rafe Cohen estimated at 25,000 in the two weeks since the theater opened - the number of traffic accidents has not risen dramatically, according the Nevada Highway Patrol.

"It's in good shape overall." said Chuck Allen, NHP public relations officer. Allen said there have been a few minor incidents on feeder streets including Clearview Drive and Koontz Lane, but none that he could directly attribute to the theater's opening.

NHP reported four fender-benders, one injury accident and one hit-and-run accident from mid-July through Aug. 15.

"I don' think that's a huge number of accidents or an alarming number," Allen said. "But, we're definitely seeing some incidents. It's something we'll continue to monitor."

Officials from the Carson City planning department and NDOT said mitigation for an increase in traffic was an important part of the overall plan for, not only the Fandango Casino, but the South Carson corridor as well because congestion will continue to increase with development.

"We feel we've covered our bases there," NDOT spokesman Scott Magruder said. "It's one of those things we constantly monitor and it is a hot spot."

NHP officials said they're confident of NDOT's research efforts prior to opening a new attraction.

"We don't get into those numbers," Allen said. "But we know they comply with certain requirements, and, so far things are going smoothly."