The Nevada Department of Transportation has begun a project to enhance the Mt. Rose Highway truck escape ramp.

The truck ramp, located on the westbound side of the highway in Incline Village, will be converted from the current rock surface to asphalt. A series of six pre-tensioned drag nets will be added to the truck ramp to catch the front grill of runaway vehicles and help safely absorb the impact to slow, then ultimately stop, the vehicle.

The asphalt surface of the truck ramp will be heated in the winter.

Two roadside flashing signs and one large overhead digital message sign will also be installed to alert drivers when a vehicle is in the truck ramp.

Approximately 5,000 vehicles travel this section of the Mt. Rose Highway every day, including semi-trucks, according to NDOT.

During construction, there will be periodic lane closures. Truck traffic will not be permitted on Mt. Rose Highway during construction.

Q & D Construction is scheduled to complete the $4.6 million project this fall.