Bypass takes another step toward completion

The Carson City freeway project took another step toward completion Thursday with the opening of bids to demolish old homes and other structures in the right-of-way.

Of the 11 companies which sought the work, Gradex, of Reno, submitted the apparent low bid of $185,000.

Nevada Department of Transportation spokesman Scott Magruder said NDOT officials were pleased because the contract amount is less than the engineer's estimates which ranges up as high as $300,000.

Magruder said the demolition work should begin within two months.

Gradex will destroy and remove about 10 structures in the right-of-way between Fairview Drive and the junction of Highway 395 and Highway 50 at the base of Spooner junction. In addition, the former Mulligan's bar and grill building at Highway 50 East will also come down.

He said most of the structures are vacant but that NDOT had leased several houses while preparing the project for bid.

The next step in the freeway construction will be opening of bids for the section of the freeway from Highway 50 East south to Fairview Drive. That bid opening was originally set for Thursday as well but was postponed until May 31 while the city moves utilities out of the corridor. The cost of this next phase is estimated at $60 million. The full cost of the freeway is expected to come in at $350 million.

• Contact reporter Geoff Dornan at gdornan@nevadaappeal.com or 687-8750.