RENO, Nev. (KRNV & MyNews4.com) -- The new Interstate 580 highway connecting Reno to Carson City isn't expected to open until Aug. 20, but signs are already going up, and the name change is causing some confusion among drivers.
From Interstate 80 at the Spaghetti Bowl all the way south to Fairview Drive in Carson City, the nearly 40 mile stretch of road will now be known as I-580/U.S. 395. Scott Magruder with the Nevada Department of Transportation says the reason for the switch is the desire to have an interstate system that connects Reno to the capitol city.
I-580 is called an "interstate spur," meaning, it's built to interstate standards with a divided highway and limited access. Magruder says this helps for moving goods and services, and it makes for a safe highway.
Once the new six lane highway from Mt. Rose Highway to Washoe Valley opens to traffic, the road through Pleasant Valley will be known as U.S. 395 Alternate.
Eventually, I-580 will connect all the way to U.S. 50 in south Carson City. NDOT is working with Google Maps and other GPS companies to get the highway's name correctly labeled.
