State Route 659 (SR 659) is a state highway in Washoe County, Nevada. The route follows McCarran Boulevard, an arterial ring road serving the cities of Reno and Sparks. The route provides access to many businesses and residential areas in the Truckee Meadows. McCarran Boulevard was gradually constructed through the Reno/Sparks area over a period of several years. The portion east of U.S. Route 395 was previously designated as State Route 650 while the western half was designated State Route 651; the two highway numbers were merged into the new SR 659 in 2009. McCarran Boulevard was named after the late U.S. Senator Pat McCarran, a member of the Democratic Party who contributed to the development of aviation both in Las Vegas and on a national scale and was staunchly anti communist. Route description State Route 659 begins on McCarran Boulevard at an undercrossing of Interstate 580 and U.S. Route 395. From there, the route travels in a clockwise direction westward. This portion of the route is surrounded by major shopping outlets. The highway travels west, gaining in altitude as it winds up and down through residential areas of southwest Reno. The route heads north to cross over the Truckee River and intersect West 4th Street (SR 647/I-80 Bus./Old US 40) and 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. The route then intersects Clear Acre Lane (SR 443) before reaching an interchange with US 395. Shortly after crossing over US 395, SR 659 enters the city of Sparks. From there, the highway continues easterly to intersect Pyramid Way (SR 445), which provides access to the fast-growing area of northern Sparks known as Spanish Springs as well as Pyramid Lake. McCarran Boulevard heads east and then turns south to intersect Victorian Avenue (I-80 Bus.) and I-80 again before crossing the Truckee River once more. Passing over the river, the route soon re-enters the Reno city limits. McCarran Boulevard travels southerly through established neighborhoods, then turns to the west. The route becomes more commercial again, passing Meadowood Mall as it heads west to South Virginia Street (US 395 Bus.). The state highway then ends at its origin point underneath the I-580/US 395 overpass. History When