The Nevada Department of Transportation has begun installation of new “Welcome to Nevada” signs designed by Nevada art students.

The first welcome sign was installed March 15 at the Nevada-California border on Highway 88 south of Minden.

Signs will be installed at approximately 25 other border locations statewide over the coming months.

Instead of the welcome signs, select border crossings such as Highwy 28 in Crystal Bay and Highway 395 near Bordertown will receive gateway monuments.

The existing welcome signs, including iconic signs depicting a lone prospector, have stood at many interstate and freeway entrances into Nevada for approximately 25 years. The signs are being replaced by signs designed by Nevada high school graphic artists through a contest organized by the Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs in partnership with the Nevada Department of Education and NDOT.