The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) is continuing its work on the Sparks Boulevard Project, and there are some construction closures that commuters should be aware of as the roadway is repaved.
As part of Phase One of the project, Sparks Boulevard will be closed southbound from Lincoln Way to the I-80 eastbound off-ramp on Friday, September 9 starting at 8 p.m. through Monday, September 12 at 6 a.m.. Traffic will be detoured from Sparks Boulevard through Lincoln Way to Brierley Way/Lillard Drive to Vista Boulevard during this time, and all northbound traffic and the I-80 westbound ramp from Sparks Boulevard will remain open.
The following weekend, Friday, September 16-Monday, September 19, Sparks Boulevard will be closed southbound from Lincoln Way to Greg Street and on Greg Street northbound to the I-80 westbound off-ramp. The eastbound I-80 off-ramp will also be closed, and traffic will be redirected to Vista Boulevard.
To preserve pedestrian safety while construction takes place, the RTC is offering its FlexRIDE service for free during this time, from Legends to Greg Street and back so that pedestrians can safely cross over I-80. The FlexRIDE service is available on weekdays from 5:30am-11pm and on weekends from 6am-10:30pm. Book a ride through the RTC Washoe FlexRIDE app on your smartphone or call (775)-335-0035 and be sure to request your ride 30 minutes in advance. Temporary benches, coverings, and signage will also be available next to the Chase Bank on 255 Sparks Boulevard and on the northwest corner of the Sparks Boulevard/Greg Street intersection across from Arnold Machinery for people to safely wait for their ride.
Phase One of the two-phase Sparks Boulevard Project consists of the segment of Sparks Boulevard between Lincoln Way and Greg Street, which aims to increase roadway capacity by restriping the right-of-way to create three lands in each direction. This first phase will also improve bicycle and pedestrian areas to increase accessibility and safety. Phase One is expected to be completed in the spring of 2023, and costs around a $12 million investment in the community. The design of Phase Two is taking place right now, and construction of that final phase is expected to begin in 2024.
Businesses in the construction areas will remain open and accessible, and the RTC hopes that people will still support businesses within the construction zones as the Sparks Boulevard Project takes place.
“So far, the project is going well. We really appreciate the community’s patience and support during construction as we work to improve Sparks Boulevard for everyone. As our community grows, it’s more important than ever to continue making infrastructure improvements to accommodate our expanding population. We continue to encourage people to support businesses within the construction zone, which remain open and accessible,” says RTC Public Information Officer Lauren Ball.
For more information on RTC’s Sparks Boulevard Project, visit sparksblvdproject.com.
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