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Storey County approves up to $4.1 million (plus 7% contingency) to help Tesla extend I‑80 Patrick interchange ramp
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Summary
The Board approved a private‑infrastructure contract with Tesla to extend the I‑80 Patrick westbound on‑ramp — increasing merge length from about 473 feet to about 2,210 feet — with the county reimbursing costs not to exceed $4.1 million, paid over fiscal years 2027–28, and authorizing up to a 7% contingency to be used by mutual consent.
Storey County commissioners voted unanimously to authorize a private‑infrastructure contract with Tesla that will facilitate an extension of the I‑80 Patrick interchange westbound on‑ramp. County manager Austin Osborne and Tesla’s Chris Riley told the board the project would extend the current merge distance from roughly 473 feet to about 2,210 feet to give heavy vehicles sufficient distance to accelerate to highway speed before merging.
"The Waltham And Patrick Interchange has about 473 feet for a semi truck to u‑turn and get onto the freeway," said Chris Riley. "This proposal takes that 473 feet and increases it 5 x to 2,210 feet." Riley and other presenters said the change would reduce short‑merge conflicts and improve safety while Tesla coordinates permitting and construction with NDOT and contractors.
The contract before the board sets a county reimbursement not to exceed $4,100,000, paid incrementally over two fiscal years (fiscal year 2027 and fiscal year 2028). Austin Osborne told commissioners the county would additionally be asked to authorize a contingency of up to 7% of the contract amount, to be used upon mutual consent of the parties; he estimated that the contingency could add roughly $280,000 to the county’s exposure. Commissioner Mitchell moved to approve the contract with the 7% contingency; Commissioner Gilman seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Presenters from Panasonic and the consulting teams described coordination with NDOT, effort to minimize lane reductions during construction, and plans for Tesla to act as an owner’s representative during work with Granite Construction. Commissioners complimented the public‑private partnership approach and asked staff to ensure design elements address local safety concerns such as delineation to prevent lane‑crossing. The board authorized staff to finalize the contract and proceed under the approved not‑to‑exceed amount and contingency.
