Construction continues on two major road projects designed to take some of the pain out of commuting for Sparks motorists. Crews are demolishing homes at one site, while invasive weeds and trash are being hauled away at the other construction zone.
The Sparks Tribune asked Joe Harrington, a spokesman for the Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County, the agency overseeing the projects, to provide an update on work to build a revamped Pyramid Way-McCarran Boulevard intersection and the final 4.5-mile phase of the SouthEast Connector, a new six-lane road connecting east Sparks with south Reno.
Pyramid-McCarran intersection:
What’s going on with demolition?
Sixty-seven homes were acquired in order to make way for this important project that enhances safety. The demolition was split into two phases in order to lower costs and save taxpayer dollars. The first phase was completed last year, and now the second phase of demolition is underway.
Thirty-two homes are being demolished as well as the Lutheran church on Pyramid and three commercial businesses near Queen Way. We are also relocating a cell phone tower. We worked closely with the community to compensate and relocate residents and businesses. Right now utility lines are being retired and abatement of materials in homes is continuing. We are also recycling material when possible and preserving large trees that fit into the footprint of the plans for the area. The homes being demolished are on Sprout Way, Gault Way, Nelson Way and Lenwood Drive.
What can motorists and residents expect as project moves forward?
During demolition there will be very minimal or no impacts to traffic. However, once demolition is completed there will be the possibility of delays when we begin work on the actual intersection of Pyramid and McCarran, which is slated to take place at the beginning of April. We will preserve access to all the businesses in the area as well as the Catholic church. However, residents should plan for delays, especially during peak hours beginning in April.
What is the schedule for the project?
We expect to wrap up demolition no later than mid-March. Work on the actual intersection of Pyramid and McCarran will begin shortly after. The project is scheduled for completion in spring 2018.
What are the major components of the project?
The intersection of Pyramid and McCarran is one of the most congested in the Truckee Meadows and is used by about 60,000 vehicles a day. This intersection is also a high crash location. This project will dramatically improve safety and help traffic flow more efficiently. We will be adding a through lane to Pyramid in each direction, and dedicated turning lanes will be added to both Pyramid and McCarran. The project will add new sidewalks for pedestrians and a paved multi-use path that will parallel Pyramid on the eastern side.
Providing separate spaces for vehicles and pedestrians has been shown to enhance safety. Additionally, trees will be near the path further beautifying the area. Privacy screens with a decorative design, selected by the community, will be constructed. The project will also result in a safer configuration of the intersection of Pyramid and Queen Way.
Anything else residents may want to know?
For updates on the project please follow the RTC on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube and visit: http://pyramidmccarran.com
SouthEast Connector
What is the status of the work on the second/final phase?
Mira Loma Drive will have temporary traffic control as crews transport materials from the (Rosewood) golf course south to build a haul road crossing for the Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County’s SouthEast Connector Project. Motorists will see advanced construction signs and flaggers before they enter the work zone. Motorists can expect up to 15 minute delays.
Truck crossing at Mira Loma Drive will remain in effect with flagger control as necessary for the duration of the project. Traffic control is needed for motorists’ and workers’ safety as construction vehicles and equipment cross Mira Loma Drive to access the construction site.
What work is now being done?
In addition to the activities described above, 3.7 million pounds of trash has been removed from the environment. Additionally, 468 million pounds of invasive weeds and soil containing invasive weeds has been removed.
What is the schedule for the project?
This project remains on schedule for completion in late 2017. We encourage everyone to attend an open house on Feb. 11 to learn more about the project. The open house will take place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m .at the Best Western Airport Plaza Hotel.
Anything else residents may want to know?
The coalition opposed to the project withdrew its suit against the US Army Corps of Engineers in November after the courts thoroughly examined the plaintiff’s claims. Construction of the project continued during the legal process as the coalition was not successful in receiving an injunction. This project restores the environment and involves planting roughly 600 new trees and turning seven acres of unhealthy wetlands into a self-sustaining 80-acre wetland complex – among other environmental benefits.
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