Waltham Way closure

Lane reductions are coming to I-80 this weekend to start extending the Waltham Way on-ramp.

Starting this Sunday through early September, drivers will see the following intermittent overnight lane and ramp closures at the Waltham Way on-ramp to westbound I-80, near USA Parkway:

* Waltham Way on-ramp to westbound I-80 closed beginning the week of June 14 through August. USA Parkway on-ramp to westbound I-80 open as an alternative.

* Westbound I-80 exit 28 off-ramp to Patrick/Waltham Way intermittently closed during overnight hours through August.

* Westbound I-80 lanes reduced to one lane in each direction 7:30 p.m.-5 a.m. weekdays, with additional periodic weekend lane reductions outside of peak travel hours.

* Speeds will be reduced to 55 mph 24/7 through the work zone, with periodic reductions to 45mph during major work operations.

* Drivers are advised to leave extra time to travel safely through the work zone.

The current Waltham Way on-ramp to westbound I-80 will be extended by approximately 2,200 feet. The project is being completed through a public-private partnership between Storey County and Tesla, with Storey County funding eligible project costs through a reimbursement agreement with Tesla. 

NDOT says more than 2,000 vehicles use Waltham Way daily, merging in with nearly 50,000 interstate drivers who travel I-80 daily. The ramp extension will provide additional room for those traveling from USA Parkway and Waltham Way toward Reno/Sparks.

Meanwhile, NDOT says beginning as early as 2027, it plans to widen I-80 to three lanes in each direction between Vista Boulevard and the State Route 439 (USA Parkway) interchange. 

(NDOT contributed to this report.