If you drive from Wells Avenue onto I-580 south during rush hour on a regular basis you already know that it is a perpetual traffic jam during peak traffic times. The Nevada Department of Transportation knows it too. In fact, they have been tracking accidents and traffic flows there and even considering what could be done about it.
"It was built in 1972," says NDOT spokeswoman Meg Ragonese. "We've seen that during peak traffic times now that Wells Avenue ramp is carrying more cars than it was designed for. We see that there are a lot traffic tie-ups and accidents. But most of the ticketed accidents have been caused by drivers making illegal lane changes or speeding. The design isn't bad, but it may be able to be improved."
In fact, NDOT has begun preliminary environmental studies on the Truckee River below that ramp and they are looking into impacts on Glendale Avenue if changes to the freeway were made.
"Those are the first steps toward anything changing. But actual changes would take years of planning and a lot of state money and we don't have anything like that to work with at this time," she says. "So we really want people to slow down! Give other drivers the space they need to get over and pay attention!"
