Commissioners send NDOT request to study SR 160/Mountain Falls intersection after residents report crashes

Nye County commissioners voted to send a formal letter to the Nevada Department of Transportation asking NDOT to consider performing a traffic and safety evaluation at the intersection of State Route 160 and Mountain Falls Boulevard. The action follows repeated public testimony describing hazardous conditions, high speeds and inadequate signage and lighting along the corridor.The county's public-works representative, Tom Bowling, told commissioners that NDOT prefers corridor studies rather than single-intersection spot studies, and a corridor study could take up to three years to complete. Because commissioners sought a more immediate review, staff drafted a letter that requested a focused intersection safety evaluation and included NDOT-suggested language asking for collaborative, practical solutions. "We respectfully request NDOT consider performing a traffic and safety evaluation for this intersection. Nye County is committed to working collaboratively with your team to identify practical solutions that enhance the safety and performance of this corridor for all users," the board's letter reads.Residents and drivers told the board that lack of lighting, faded pavement markings and high approach speeds create hazards for vehicles and school buses. Commissioner Linda Clark said she "shudders" driving that route and asked for quicker action. The board amended and approved the letter with the NDOT-suggested language and directed county staff to send it. Commissioners asked NDOT to prioritize the evaluation and to coordinate timing for any remedial measures, including signal timing, pavement markings or intersection redesign.