Former Nevada 650
History
Nevada 650 was absorbed by Nevada 659 in January 2010.
Between 1976 and 2010, Nevada 650 formed the eastern half of an at-grade boulevard (McCarran Boulevard) that loops around the cities of Reno and Sparks. The western half of McCarran Boulevard is designated as Nevada 651, with the numerical designation changing at the U.S. 395 and Interstate 580 interchanges. Most of the southern half of the loop was locally maintained, while the northern half was state maintained as part of Nevada 650 and Nevada 651. This 23-mile loop around Reno-Sparks provides some of the best views of the city (especially along the northeast quadrant). In addition, one can see all the elements of the Reno landscape along this road, parts of which are four-lane, divided highway. This includes desert, new subdivisions (such as Caughlin Ranch), vacant land designated for future subdivisions, industrial property, warehouses, truck stops, and mountain foothills. The last section of McCarran Boulevard to open was near Mayberry Street in 1990.
Highway Guide
| Nevada 650/East McCarran Boulevard north |
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After passing under Interstate 80, the next right is a loop ramp connecting northbound Nevada 650/East McCarran Boulevard with Interstate 80 west. A large neutered shield is posted at this freeway entrance shield assembly toward Interstate 80 west to Sparks, U.S. 395, and Reno. Photos taken 07/18/09 and 09/09/05. |
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This Nevada 650 mile post is found at the Interstate 80 partial-cloverleaf interchange. Nevada 650 travels 6.30 miles from here to junction U.S. 395 in Reno. At U.S. 395, Nevada 650 (East McCarran Boulevard) becomes Nevada 651 (West McCarran Boulevard). Photo taken 09/09/05. |
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Turn left here for Business Loop I-80/Victorian Way west to downtown Sparks. Traffic from the Interstate 80 westbound off-ramp to Business Loop I-80/Victorian Way (Exit 19) intersects Nevada 650 (McCarran Boulevard) at this traffic signal. Intersecting McCarran Boulevard from the west is Business Loop Interstate 80 (Victorian Avenue). Victorian Avenue parallels the freeway westward to the Sparks central business district and B Street in Reno. Photo taken 09/09/05. |
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The next traffic signal along Nevada 650/East McCarran Boulevard north is with Nichols Boulevard, followed by Lincoln Street (to Sparks Marina Park). A Nevada 650 north reassurance shield is posted on the traffic signal pole. Photos taken 07/19/09. |
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A bit further north, Nevada 650/McCarran Boulevard East intersects Nevada 646/Prater Way, which travels southwest toward Business Loop I-80/Fourth Street en route to Reno. Photo taken 07/18/09. |
| Nevada 650/East McCarran Boulevard south |
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Nevada 650 (McCarran Boulevard) southbound approaches Junction Interstate 80. A partial-cloverleaf interchange joins the two highways in east Sparks. McCarran Boulevard features dense commercial frontage in and near the freeway junction. Photo taken 09/09/05. |
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Business Loop I-80 (Victorian Avenue) crosses paths with Nevada 650 (McCarran Boulevard) eastbound ahead of its on-ramps to Interstate 80. Victorian Avenue carries the business loop west into downtown Sparks and onward to the city of Reno (as Fourth Street). Photo taken 09/09/05. |
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A rare sighting of 1972-MUTCD specification Interstate 80 Nevada shields is found on Nevada 650 south. These signs direct motorists onto Interstate 80 west for downtown Sparks and Reno and eastbound to Salt Lake City ahead on the left. These shields were gone by 2009. Photos taken 09/09/05 and 07/19/09. |
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A more modern Interstate 80 Nevada shield with 1979-MUTCD specifications represents the westbound freeway entrance sign. An older non-reflective overhead meanwhile directs motorists onto the Interstate 80 eastbound ramp to Truckee River Canyon. Nevada 650/East McCarran Boulevard continues south toward Reno-Tahoe International Airport. Photo taken 09/09/05. |
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