RENO, Nev. (AP) — Gov. Brian Sandoval has announced plans to close a stretch of U.S. 95 in western Nevada as state transportation officials assist in local flood mitigation efforts.
KTVN-TV reports the highway will be closed south of Fallon between State Route 120 and Schurz from Thursday to March 17.
The Nevada Department of Transportation is adding drainage culverts to reinforce the road in preparation for floodwaters being diverted from Lahontan Reservoir.
The Fallon area received heavy precipitation this winter, and the Truckee Carson Irrigation District is working to release water from the reservoir to help prevent potential flooding.
The water is being diverted to the Carson Lake and other basins along U.S. 95.
Sandoval says the controlled release of floodwaters is crucial to limit flooding for area residents and businesses.