Fernley’s long-range transportation plan is beginning to take shape, with a new traffic model projecting what the city’s road system will need if the population doubles over the next 20 years.
The draft corridor plan presented to the Fernley Planning Commission Sept. 9 identifies a series of major road and intersection projects intended to reduce congestion, improve safety and prepare the city for continued growth.
Consultants from Wood Rodgers told commissioners the planning effort produced Fernley’s first comprehensive traffic model, built from the Regional Transportation Commission’s existing regional model and calibrated with the Nevada Department of Transportation. Unlike a conventional traffic study focused on one project or intersection, the model allows planners to test how growth and new road connections affect the entire city network.
The model looked at two growth scenarios: Fernley doubling in population over roughly the next two decades and a higher-growth scenario in which the city triples. Planners based their recommendations on the more moderate assumption that Fernley will double.
Without significant road improvements, consultants said congestion would worsen at several already-troubled locations, including U.S. 95 and Cottonwood Lane, Farm District Road and U.S. 95, the roundabout and intersections leading toward Interstate 80.
Some planned development projects, however, could provide significant relief.
The Nevada Pacific Parkway extension is expected to reduce traffic through the roundabout, while a future Miller Lane/Truckee Lane connection through Red Hawk Ranch could pull traffic away from U.S. 95 and surrounding side streets.
Consultants also tested several other potential road connections suggested during the planning process.
A future Wadsworth connection could benefit development in Fernley’s southwest area, while extending Cottonwood Lane to Miller Lane was identified as a project that could provide more immediate relief by creating another route toward the Red Hawk connection.
A proposal to extend U.S. 95A north to Interstate 80 with a new interchange provided some traffic benefit in the model, but consultants said the improvement was relatively small compared with the cost of acquiring right of way and building a new interstate connection. The project was not recommended as a priority.
Several existing roads would ultimately need major widening if growth continues as projected.
The plan recommends widening U.S. 95A to four lanes from Fernley High School to Shadow Lane; widening Main Street to four lanes from Truckee Lane to Interstate 80 at Exit 46; widening Farm District Road to four lanes between Shadow Lane and the roundabout; and eventually widening the Exit 48 area with additional lanes, turn controls and intersection improvements.
The railroad undercrossing on Main Street — commonly known as the “mouse hole” — remains one of the most difficult pieces of the system.
Consultants said widening Main Street would eventually require widening the Union Pacific undercrossing, a costly and lengthy project because of railroad coordination, environmental work and construction requirements. They recommended beginning that planning process early because the narrow crossing will increasingly become a barrier as Fernley grows.
Intersection improvements are also included throughout the plan.
U.S. 95 and Cottonwood Lane emerged as one of the highest priorities, along with Fremont Street and Chisholm Trail. The existing roundabout is expected to provide adequate service in the near term, particularly after the Nevada Pacific Parkway extension is completed, but planners said it will eventually need to be converted to a multilane roundabout as traffic increases.
The plan also recommends controlled intersections at both ends of Cottonwood Lane, additional turn lanes between the roundabout and Interstate 80, and improved turning movements for trucks at Main Street and U.S. 95A.
Pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure is included as well. Consultants said proposed widening projects would incorporate shared-use paths, sidewalks and bike lanes, with an emphasis on filling gaps in Fernley’s existing network.
Commissioner Cody Wagner specifically raised concerns about speeds near Fernley High School and suggested reducing the speed limit from 55 mph to 45 mph in front of the school and to 35 mph approaching the Cottonwood intersection.
He also questioned the ranking of the Pilot Road/Main Street intersection, saying poor visibility and truck traffic make the area more dangerous than its placement on the priority list suggests.
The plan does not come with construction funding.
Consultants said it is intended to serve as a guide for the city and NDOT as projects compete for state transportation funding, grants, development contributions and potentially future impact-fee revenue. Priorities could change depending on funding availability and which developments move forward first.
The draft recommendations will also be presented to the City Council. Consultants said they will incorporate feedback from the Planning Commission, council and city staff before releasing a final document around late September or early October. The plan will then return to the council for adoption.
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