Robert Ligon wrote in asking why the speed limit is only 65 miles per hour on the new six lane, I-580 freeway between Mount Rose and Washoe Valley, when its 70 miles per hour on the old 395 which is four lanes through Washoe Valley ?
Very good question Robert and in fact this is something NDOT is looking into right now.
You're right it is 65 on the new freeway and 70 on the old one.
I asked Scott Magruder over at NDOT about this and he says they are conducting a speed study to find out what the speed limit should be on the new freeway.
It is wider, and there's less traffic merging onto the new freeway so those could be arguments to raise the speed limit.
Anyway, It is being studied and things could be changing depending on what NDOT engineers learn through their speed study. Of course safety is paramount but they will take all factors int consideration when making their decision.
