The Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County is inviting Sparks commuters to offer their input on the Sparks Boulevard Project.
The RTC is looking at widening the street from I-80 to Baring Boulevard, and this second phase of the plan is to address and fix capacity deficiencies and build a roadway that is suitable for all modes of transportation including pedestrians, buses, and bicycles. Construction has been completed for Phase 1 of the Sparks Boulevard Widening Project on the section of the boulevard between Greg Street and I-80.
This project was originally part of the Sparks Boulevard Multi-Modal Corridor Study that the RTC originally did back in 2015. It being a major corridor that accommodates north and southbound travel connecting northern Sparks to south Reno, Sparks Boulevard is classified as a MAC (Medium Access Control) arterial that provides access to several major Sparks’ thoroughfares. A combination of multi-use paths, 8-12 ft. sidewalks, 4-5 ft. sidewalks, and bicycle lanes are a part of the proposed corridor improvements.
The RTC believes that widening the Sparks Boulevard is necessary to accommodate the number of commuters as land-use intensity increases, especially around the Sparks Marina, Kiley Ranch, and other undeveloped areas around the corridor. If nothing were done, then traffic volumes would increase which would cause longer traffic delays and possibly higher crash rates on the road. Several sections of the corridor are currently not ADA-compliant, making it unsafe for pedestrians and bicyclists.
The public comment period is regarding the Environmental Assessment report that was recently finalized, and includes an overview of the project, recommended improvements, environmental impacts, and mitigation measures. A 30-day virtual public hearing is being held now through May 5 and an in-person public meeting regarding the project will be held at Lena Elementary School on 225 Queen Way on April 19 from 4-7 p.m.. To access the Public Hearing Materials and submit your comments, visit SparksBoulevardProject.com or call (775) 789-9809.
The entire project is being funded through the local RTC Fuel Tax and is expected to cost approximately $80 million. The final design of Phase 2 of the project is expected to be completed in spring of next year with construction to begin in 2025.
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