Nevada State Route 651

Infobox road
state=NV
type=NV
route=651
alternate_name=McCarran Boulevard


length_mi=6.630
length_round=3
length_ref= [http://www.nevadadot.com/reports_pubs/State_Maintained/ Nevada State Maintained Highways, Descriptions, Index and Maps] ]
established=
decommissioned=
direction_a=Southwest
starting_terminus=
junction=jct|state=NV|I|80
jct|state=NV|SR|430
direction_b=Northeast
ending_terminus=jct|state=NV|US|395|SR|650 in Reno
cities=Reno
previous_type=NV
previous_route=650
next_type=NV
next_route=653

State Route 651 comprises the northwest portion of McCarran Boulevard, an arterial loop road that encircles the Reno-Sparks metropolitan area. The route provides some great views of downtown Reno and the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Route description

The state maintained portion of McCarran Boulevard begins at the intersection with West 4th Street (SR 647/I-80 Bus./Old US 40). SR 651 begins at this junction and heads north to intersect Interstate 80. From here, the highway continues north to skirt the southeastern edge of Peavine Peak in northwest Reno before turning east. The highway then intersects North Virginia Street (SR 430) and runs along the northern boundary of the University of Nevada, Reno campus before reaching its eastern terminus at its interchange with the US 395. Although SR 651 ends at this interchange, McCarran Boulevard continues eastward into Sparks on SR 650.

History

At one time, the Nevada Department of Transportation maintained the entirety of the McCarran Boulevard loop. SR 651 extended further south and east to terminate at the intersection of South Virginia Street (old SR 430/Bus. US 395), incorporating the entire west half of McCarran Boulevard (SR 650 also ended at this location, covering the eastern half of the loop). This is evidenced by postmile panels which are still present along the road as of late 2007. The portion of SR 651 between South Virginia Street and West 4th Street was relinquished to local control by 1999; the local section is still classified as part of the National Highway System.

In 2004, the Washoe County Regional Transportation Commission began the US 395/Clear Acre reconstruction project. The project included reconstructed ramps and a bridge replacement for McCarran Boulevard over US 395 (as well as freeway access improvements at nearby Clear Acre Lane (SR 443)). [http://www.rtcwashoe.com/streets/projects/fy03/395clearacre/ Washoe County Regional Transportation Commission: US 395 - Clear Acre Interchange Project] ] As of June 2007, the construction project was substantially completed.

References