Background  

Horrocks led design efforts for the Spaghetti Bowl Xpress (SBX) interchange, connecting I-80 and I-580 near Reno, NV. This interchange was the busiest in northern Nevada, and steady population growth necessitated a renovation.  

Project Details  

This design-build project reconstructed I-580 Southbound (SB) from I-80 to Villanova Drive. Improvements included widening, reconstruction, and the addition of I-580 SB lanes to add capacity and enhance operations and safety. The 2nd St and Mill St interchanges were reconfigured and reconstructed in the SB direction to improve access to the local roadway network. The I-80 Eastbound (EB) and Westbound (WB) to I-580 SB system interchange ramps were realigned and reconstructed. The original three I-580 Northbound (NB) inside lanes were also reconstructed with concrete pavement.  

Outcomes 

The Horrocks team provided NDOT with an accelerated design and construction schedule that quickly delivered improvements to this very busy and congested interchange. The design preserved recent improvements on I-580 NB and I-580 SB, and increased spacing between entrance and exit ramps on I-580 SB. These improvements significantly enhanced safety and reduced traffic congestion and delays.  

Despite major challenges brought by the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, project teams completed the structure on-time, on-budget, and with very strong stakeholder and public engagement. This project showcased the value of teamwork, communication and flexibility, especially as the delivery method was changed mid-project from Design-Bid-Build to Design-Build, ultimately saving NDOT a considerable amount of time and money. Innovations by Horrocks and project teams were estimated to have reduced project costs by $50M and construction time by one year.