- What is NDOT’s role in the State of Nevada’s transportation system?
- Why does NDOT repave roads that appear to be in good condition?
- Why can’t NDOT work on construction projects only at night?
- Why do I see so many barrels and cones in construction projects with no visible work in progress?
- Where can I get current state highway road condition information?
- What are “approved traction devices”?
- How can I get information about vehicle registration or driver’s licenses?
- How do I report a problem on a highway?
- What is NDOT doing to remove litter from state highway rights of way?
- Where can I get information about Nevada traffic laws and enforcement?
- How can I get traffic counts on state maintained highways?
- How can I get information on child car seats and child restraint systems?
- How do I obtain a free Nevada State Map?
- How can my company be prequalified to compete for work with NDOT?
- How can vendors of products used for highway construction or maintenance present their products for consideration by NDOT?
- How can my disadvantaged business enterprise do business with NDOT?
- Where can truckers and trucking companies get information regarding the wide variety of licensing and regulatory issues affecting them?
- How can I file a consumer complaint against an interstate freight transporter?
- My vehicle was damaged while traveling on one of your roads. How do I file a damage claim?
- Where does NDOT’s money come from?
- Where does NDOT spend its money?
- How does NDOT control project costs?
- How does NDOT determine whether a project is worth doing?
- What is the Blue Ribbon Task Force?
- How do I apply for a job with NDOT?
- Why are speed limits sometimes reduced in work zones?
- Is everyone wearing orange-colored shirts in a work zone an NDOT worker?
What is NDOT’s role in the State of Nevada’s transportation system?
NDOT is responsible for the design, construction, maintenance, and operation of the Nevada State Highway System, as well as that portion of the National and Interstate Highway System within the state’s boundaries. The current framework of state law under which NDOT operates is found in Chapter 408, Nevada Revised Statutes, and can be found at http://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-408.html.
NDOT’s Mission Statement and information about the department can be found at http://www.nevadadot.com/about/.
Why does NDOT repave roads that appear to be in good condition?
NDOT’s concept for pavement rehabilitation is similar to changing the oil in your car every 3,000 to 4,000 miles, or painting the exterior of your house before the wood is damaged. By fixing the roads when pavement reaches an optimum service life rather than waiting for pavement distresses to appear (failure point), NDOT can save up to $42 million annually. The traveling public can save several times this amount because there are no potholes and the roads are smoother. Therefore, the wear and tear on your vehicle is reduced so your maintenance needs are less.
When even modest pavement distresses appear, the cost to repair a road skyrockets. Since 1997, NDOT has employed a proactive approach of repaving a road before these distresses appear, producing significant savings. Based primarily on pavement age, traffic volume, and traffic loads, we can predict when distresses will appear and repave a road before that happens. This proactive plan has saved taxpayers an average of $42 million per year, while keeping our pavement in great condition. In fact, Nevada is No. 1 in the country with the greatest percentage of roads on the National Highway System in the smooth category, according to Federal Highway Administration standards. NDOT has an exceptional road preservation and maintenance program, acknowledged as one of the best in the country. Further information can be found in the State Highway Preservation Report.
Why can’t NDOT work on construction projects only at night?
NDOT works at night whenever possible to minimize the impact on traffic and on the traveling public. Most road improvements on major construction projects are done at night for this reason. However, there may be certain periods during our major projects when it’s necessary to work during the daylight hours.
Why do I see so many barrels and cones in construction projects with no visible work in progress?
NDOT and its contractors put up signs and other “traffic control” devices only if work is going on. However, frequently these traffic control devices are in left in place during the day following nighttime work to prevent injury to motorists who might attempt to drive in travel lanes not yet suitable for use. Setting up and removing these traffic controls also takes considerable time and would add significant cost to construction projects. Also, sometimes work is not clearly visible to motorists, particularly when conducted below grade level. Other times, a lane may be blocked to allow concrete to dry or to permit delivery or removal of materials.
Where can I get current state highway road condition information?
Nevada state highway road condition information is available on the NDOT website at http://www.nevadadot.com/traveler/roads/, or by telephone by dialing 511.
For California mountain passes, motorists in Western Nevada can call toll-free to 1-800-427-7623. The Caltrans website is at http://www.dot.ca.gov/.
Motorists in Nevada seeking information from any other state may accomplish this through the NDOT website at http://www.nevadadot.com/links/other_dots/ .
What are "approved traction devices?"
This term refers to all equipment approved for use to enhance a vehicle’s traction on roadway surfaces. NDOT and the NHP have prepared a brochure describing requirements and uses of approved traction devices in Nevada and can be found at http://www.nevadadot.com/traveler/pdfs/tractionControl.pdf .
How can I get information about vehicle registration or driver’s licenses?
The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles licenses all Nevada motor vehicles and their operators. Its website is http://www.dmvnv.com/. Specific questions can be asked and answered by email at info@dmv.state.nv.us.
How do I report a problem on a highway?
NDOT does not have jurisdiction over all Nevada roads and streets. However, feel free to contact us in any of the following ways or locations and we’ll get the information to our staff or that of the appropriate jurisdiction:
NDOT Headquarters
Nevada Department of Transportation
1263 South Stewart Street
Carson City, Nevada 89712
Telephone: 775-888-7000
Fax: 775-888-7115
Email: info@dot.state.nv.us
NDOT District Offices
District I: Las Vegas
123 E. Washington Ave.
Las Vegas, NV 89101
Telephone: 702-385-6500
District II: Reno
310 Galletti Way
Sparks, NV 89431
Telephone: 775-834-8300
District III: Elko
1951 Idaho St.
Elko, NV 89801
Telephone: 775-777-2700
NDOT Major Maintenance Stations
Tonopah: District I
805 Erie Main
Tonopah, NV 89049
Telephone: 775-482-2301
Winnemucca: District III
725 W. 4th St.
Winnemucca, NV 89445
Telephone: 775-623-8000
Ely: District III
1401 E. Aultman St.
Ely, NV 89301
Telephone: 775-289-1700
What is NDOT doing to remove litter from state highway rights of way?
Roadway litter is a big problem for all state DOTs. NDOT removes dangerous litter and debris from highway travel lanes upon discovery or notification as fast we can. NDOT uses a variety of litter removal programs for roadside litter that is considered unsightly or a public nuisance. Some of these programs involve partnerships between NDOT and the public as described at http://www.nevadadot.com/pub_involvement/adopt_sponsor_hiway/.
Where can I get information about Nevada traffic laws and enforcement?
NDOT is primarily responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the state’s highway system. For information about highway laws and enforcement, it is recommended that you contact the Nevada Highway Patrol, which enforces the vehicle code in Nevada. The NHP web address is http://nhp.nv.gov/. Nevada traffic laws are available at http://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-484.html .
How can I get traffic counts on state maintained highways?
Traffic counts on state maintained routes are available at http://www.nevadadot.com/reports_pubs/traffic_report/. First-time users, feel free to call for assistance at 775-888-7000.
How can I get information on child car seats and child restraint systems?
Contact information for the Nevada Office of Traffic Safety, and specific information regarding state and federal regulations for child car seats and restraint systems, is available at http://ots.state.nv.us/.
How do I obtain a free Nevada State Map?
You may request a free Nevada State Highway Map from the Nevada Commission on Tourism.
How can my company be prequalified to compete for work with NDOT?
Businesses wanting information on how to do business with NDOT can get answers to their questions at http://www.nevadadot.com/business/ or by calling 775-888-7070.
How can vendors of products used for highway construction or maintenance present their products for consideration by NDOT?
Most state DOTs have a formal process for reviewing, testing, and prequalifying products for use in construction or maintenance of state highways. Instructions for this process can be found at http://www.nevadadot.com/business/forms/pdfs/Research_NDOTpolicy.pdf.
How can my disadvantaged business enterprise do business with NDOT?
Information on this program is available at http://www.nevadadbe.com/. Call 775-888-7497 with specific questions.
Where can truckers and trucking companies get information regarding the wide variety of licensing and regulatory issues affecting them?
Information regarding federal regulations and acquisition of USDOT registration numbers for commercial vehicles is available at http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/.
Information regarding licensing and fuel tax allocation by trucking companies in Nevada is available at http://www.dmvnv.com/mchome.html#New.
Information regarding acquisition of over dimensional and overweight load permits, and restricted truck routes is available at http://www.nevadadot.com/business/trucker/ .
Information regarding acquisition of pilot car and hazardous materials permits is available at http://nhp.nv.gov/.
Information regarding intrastate regulation (within Nevada only) of trucking companies and livery operators (taxis, limousines, tour buses) is available at http://www.tsa.nv.gov/.
How can I file a consumer complaint against an interstate freight transporter?
Regulation of interstate carriers is handled exclusively by the USDOT’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Complaints can be filed on line at http://www.1-888-dot-saft.com/HotlineIntro.asp or by calling toll-free to 1-888-368-7238.
My vehicle was damaged while traveling on one of your roads. How do I file a damage claim?
Claim forms must be submitted through the Attorney General’s Office. Claim forms may be obtained by calling 775-888-7420 or 702-486-3420 in southern Nevada.
Where does NDOT’s money come from?
State highways maintained by the Nevada Department of Transportation are financed with dedicated highway-user revenue and federal funds. No General Fund (general tax) revenue is used. State and federal highway funds are principally derived from vehicle fuel tax and registration fees. A complete overview of NDOT’s financing can be found in the NDOT Fact Book .
Where does NDOT spend its money?
Similarly, a complete overview of NDOT’s expenditures can be found in the 2005 Fact Book.
How does NDOT control project costs?
When practical, NDOT uses public lands to reduce right-of-way costs and provide construction materials like earth fill and aggregates. In the design process, large projects are value engineered, whereby a multidisciplinary team brainstorms and evaluates creative ways to accomplish the project objective, usually resulting in substantial savings. NDOT's greatest expenditure is construction contracts, which are awarded to the lowest responsible bidder. Rigorous specifications and testing assure that contractors deliver the product for which the public paid. Asset management systems are used to track and optimize the performance of our pavements, bridges, routine maintenance, and equipment. For both construction and maintenance activities, budgets are set, costs are rigorously tracked through audits and inspections, and changes to projects carefully scrutinized.
How does NDOT determine whether a project is worth doing?
NDOT works closely with city and county officials, county commissioners, road superintendents, tribal councils, and regional transportation commissions to identify needs based on many factors, including safety and congestion. Potential projects are further evaluated based on benefit-cost ratios and available funding and are reviewed by a statewide committee comprised of federal, local, and state agencies and entities before presentation to State Transportation Board for final approval. Further information can be found in the Program Development Manual . The pavement rehabilitation program is prioritized based on financial consequences and public safety concerns. Roads such as I-80 with high truck volumes and rapid rate of deterioration receive the highest priority. If interstate rehabilitation projects are delayed by two years, the cost of rehabilitation increases by a factor of five. This means a 10-mile section of I-80 that can be rehabilitated this year for a cost of $6 million will cost $30 million in two years. Low volume roads, on the other hand, can be delayed for several years with only a minimal increase to the rehabilitation costs. Therefore, roads with the highest rate of deterioration will be addressed first. The goal is to ultimately address the needs of the entire state-maintained system.
What is the Blue Ribbon Task Force?
While the Nevada Department of Transportation is under way with its largest highway construction program ever, beginning in 2008 there are many more projects that will be necessary to keep pace with the tremendous growth of the state. By 2015, NDOT is projecting a $3.8 billion shortfall for needed road projects. To help with this issue, Governor Kenny Guinn and the State Transportation Board created a Blue Ribbon Task Force in June 2005. Its charge is to develop proactive solutions to establish the foundation for addressing Nevada’s future transportation needs. The Task Force will review the need for future NDOT projects, including impacts to congestion relief, the cost of maintaining the existing infrastructure, safety improvements, fatality reduction, and maintaining the quality of life and economy of Nevada. The Task Force also will review project costs and revenue projections and evaluate funding options. The Task Force is expected to convene monthly and issue recommendations in the summer of 2006. Please visit the Blue Ribbon Task Force pages for more information.
How do I apply for a job with NDOT?
Information about employment with NDOT can be found at http://www.nevadadot.com/about/employment/ .
Why are speed limits sometimes reduced in work zones?
NDOT often does not post a slower speed limit in work zones, but motorists are advised to slow down and proceed with caution whenever signs of highway work are present. Motorist and worker safety depends on how well you drive. When three lanes of traffic are channeled into two, traffic tends to move slower. Driving in an unsafe manner or at an unsafe speed in a work zone could mean an expensive citation from the Nevada Highway Patrol – state law allows for a doubling of traffic fines when they occur in highway work zones.
Is everyone wearing orange-colored shirts in a work zone an NDOT worker?
No. They may be city or county or private construction or maintenance workers. NDOT does most of its own maintenance work, but for new projects or major reconstruction, private contractors are hired. To identify NDOT workers, look for white or yellow-orange trucks with the NDOT logo on the side. Wearing orange or bright yellow-green-reflecting attire on roadway projects is required by federal and state workplace safety standards.
