Letter: Community helped with Kingsbury Grade

To the community,

As we at the Nevada Department of Transportation and Q&D Construction substantially complete the Kingsbury Grade Pavement Reconstruction Project, we want to thank local community members and businesses for their understanding and support.

Originally scheduled to continue through next summer, the project has substantially completed last week; one season ahead of the original schedule. Completing this important project ahead of schedule could not have been accomplished without the understanding of the entire community.

Many know that Kingsbury Grade was closed to through traffic near the summit in May and once again in September and early October as we reconstructed the roadbed and made safety and other improvements. By closing the grade to through traffic for these time frames, we were able to greatly cut overall project length. While this construction schedule allowed the project to complete more quickly, we know the impact that important road projects like these can have on those living and working in the area. That is why NDOT and Q&D Construction want to thank each and every resident, commuter and community member involved in the project.

Before construction began through completion, we had an opportunity to meet with residents as well as community and business leaders. This continued dialogue with the community helped us provide the most efficient, successful project for all. For example, working together, we were able to ensure that Kingsbury Grade remained open to all during the Genoa Candy Festival.

Thanks also goes to our partners at the Nevada Highway Patrol and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office for helping ensure public safety throughout the project.

In addition, the South Shore Transportation Management Association, Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and South Lake Tahoe resort association leaders, including the Ridge, were all engaged partners in proving feedback, guidance and strategies to enhance the project. We thank everyone for their patience.

Due to the understanding of the entire community, we are now able to provide an improved Kingsbury Grade that will connect Lake Tahoe and the Carson Valley for years to come.

Pedro Rodriguez, Nevada Department of Transportation project manager