Washout closes key east-west link across Nevada

Tuesday, May 12, 1998 | 10:02 a.m.

Nevada Department of Transportation spokesman Scott Magruder said the road was closed late Monday, but due to confusion, the word did not get out until early today.

He said water washed out about 50 feet of the highway. The area has received repeated soakings from this week's storms, including snow overnight.

An emergency contract is being prepared and depending on the extent of the repairs, the highway could be closed five to seven days.

U.S. 50 bisects the state, running between the South Lake Tahoe-Stateline area through Carson City and Fallon on through Ely and into Utah.

People can detour around the area, but it's a long way to go. Nevada 305 runs from Austin north to Battle Mountain. Nevada 278 goes from near Eureka north of Carlin. Both routes are 88 miles one way.

"Interstate-80 is the best alternate route," Magruder said. "The best bet is to avoid it before you get to Austin."

He said signs warning of the closure have been erected to keep people from having to make the extensive detour.