Granite Selected for I-80 East Preconstruction Services in Nevada
Granite (NYSE: GVA) announced today that it has been selected by the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) to provide preconstruction services for the upcoming Interstate 80 (I-80) East Widening Project. The project covers a 13-mile corridor extending from Vista Boulevard to USA Parkway in Washoe County. This selection marks a significant step forward in the development of one of Nevada’s most important transportation corridors and demonstrates Granite’s continued role as a trusted partner in the state’s infrastructure development initiatives.
Preconstruction Agreement Overview
The preconstruction services agreement is valued at approximately $19 million and serves as an essential precursor to the estimated $475 million construction phase. Funding for the construction phase comes from a combination of federal and state sources, including $275 million through the USDOT INFRA Grant program, alongside additional contributions from Nevada state and federal funds. This agreement was included in Granite’s 2025 year-end Capital Allocation Plan, reflecting the company’s ongoing strategic investment in high-value infrastructure projects.
Inaugural Progressive Design-Build Selection
Granite’s appointment as the first Progressive Design-Build (PDB) contractor for the I-80 East Widening Project highlights NDOT’s continued commitment to collaborative delivery models. The PDB approach is designed to bring the contractor into the project at the earliest stages of design, allowing both NDOT and Granite to jointly refine project alternatives, optimize sequencing, and maximize the efficiency of resources.
“This project demonstrates the power of collaboration,” said Nick Johnson, Chief of Project Management Division at NDOT. “The PDB process allows our team and Granite to work together from the outset, improving schedule efficiency, cost certainty, and overall project performance. By integrating the contractor’s expertise in construction and materials into the planning stages, we can make informed decisions that benefit the public and all stakeholders involved.”
Granite’s Longstanding Partnership with NDOT
Granite’s selection continues a long-standing relationship with NDOT. The company previously served as the state’s first Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) contractor in 2012, setting a precedent for collaborative project delivery in Nevada. Over the past four decades, Granite has become a strategic partner in the development of major highway and transportation projects across the state.
Chris Burke, Vice President of Regional Operations at Granite, emphasized the depth of the company’s local expertise and resources. “Our Nevada team leverages the strength of the nation’s top-ranked highway contractor (ENR) with extensive local knowledge and experience,” Burke said. “The I-80 East Widening Project represents the fifth collaborative delivery project awarded to Granite by NDOT, underscoring the strength of our enduring partnership and our commitment to delivering high-performance transportation solutions.”
Project Scope and Economic Significance
The I-80 East corridor is one of Nevada’s most critical economic arteries. The stretch east of Sparks connects the Reno–Sparks metropolitan area to USA Parkway and the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center (TRIC), a rapidly growing 160-square-mile hub supporting numerous major employers. The corridor is vital for daily commuters and freight operators, making enhancements to the route a key priority for the region’s transportation infrastructure.
The expansion of I-80 East is expected to support the projected growth in the area, with the TRIC anticipated to generate between 35,000 and 50,000 jobs over the next two decades. Improved access along this corridor will facilitate the efficient movement of goods, strengthen economic activity, and enhance connectivity for the residents and businesses that rely on it daily.
Collaborative Benefits of Progressive Design-Build
The Progressive Design-Build model provides multiple advantages over traditional project delivery methods. By engaging Granite in the earliest design phases, NDOT gains access to the company’s construction expertise, materials knowledge, and operational insights. This early involvement allows for refined project sequencing, enhanced cost control, and more efficient scheduling, ultimately reducing potential delays and minimizing risks.
The PDB method also enables a more integrated approach to planning and construction, allowing teams to evaluate multiple design alternatives and select the most effective solutions. According to NDOT officials, this approach improves transparency, strengthens accountability, and ensures that public funds are used as efficiently as possible.
Granite’s Proven Capabilities
Granite brings a combination of national resources and local expertise to the I-80 East project. The company has consistently ranked as the nation’s top highway contractor by ENR and has a proven track record of successfully delivering complex transportation projects in Nevada and across the U.S. Granite’s approach combines technical expertise, operational excellence, and innovative construction methods to meet the demands of high-profile infrastructure projects.
Over the years, Granite has played a pivotal role in advancing NDOT’s infrastructure initiatives. From CMAR projects to collaborative design-build efforts, the company has demonstrated the ability to deliver projects on time, on budget, and with superior quality. Its experience in managing large-scale transportation programs makes it uniquely qualified to handle the complexities of the I-80 East Widening Project.
The I-80 East Widening Project represents a major investment in Nevada’s transportation future. With Granite providing preconstruction services, the project team can move confidently toward the construction phase, ensuring the corridor is upgraded to meet the needs of a growing population and an expanding industrial hub.
By leveraging Progressive Design-Build methods, NDOT and Granite aim to deliver a project that maximizes efficiency, cost certainty, and overall performance. The improvements to I-80 East will not only enhance the traveling experience for commuters and freight operators but also strengthen the region’s economy and support sustainable growth.
Granite’s selection as the preconstruction services provider reaffirms its position as a trusted infrastructure partner in Nevada and highlights the benefits of long-term collaboration between public agencies and experienced contractors. With decades of combined expertise, Granite and NDOT are poised to deliver a high-quality project that meets the evolving transportation needs of the region.
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