25 Nov Virginia Street Project Weekly Update | November 10, 2020

Posted at 11:26h in news by
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Virginia Street Reopens to Two-Way Traffic Near the University of Nevada, Reno

The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Washoe County has reopened Virginia Street near the University of Nevada, Reno, to two-way traffic. This is a major milestone on the way to project completion, which is anticipated in early December.

Even though the roadway has reopened, there is still construction work taking place. Construction crews will still be putting the finishing touches on the roundabout monument and some transit stations near the University through early December.

Highlights of the project near the University of Nevada, Reno, include:

  • RAPID Bus Stations on both sides of Virginia Street (five total)
  • Sidewalk improvements (along Virginia Street between Maple Street and the University’s West Stadium Parking Complex entrance)
  • A roundabout on Virginia Street at the entrance to the University’s West Stadium Parking Complex to improve safety and traffic flow
  • Restriping of the roadway from two lanes of traffic in each direction to one traffic lane and one shared bus/bicycle lane for both northbound and southbound traffic flow

Roundabouts: 
Wondering why you can’t make as many left turns in Midtown these days?
That’s an engineering feature to reduce crashes and help protect pedestrians. If you need to turn around to access Midtown businesses, the new roundabout at Virginia Street/Center Street/Mary Street can help!

The Virginia Street Project includes two new roundabouts, one in Midtown (mentioned above) and one at the University of Nevada, Reno near the West Stadium Parking Complex. Roundabouts provide for safer and more efficient travel for commuters and pedestrians. Studies indicate that roundabouts reduce vehicle collisions by 39% and the severity of injury-producing crashes by 76%. Roundabouts also improve traffic flow when replacing stop signs or traffic signals at intersections by as much as 75%.

When approaching a roundabout, slow down and lower your speed. Before entering, yield the right-of-way to circulating traffic in the roundabout and enter when it is safe to do so. Maintain the slower speed limit while driving in the roundabout and be prepared to stop for pedestrians and bicyclists. Once in the roundabout, drivers proceed to the appropriate exit, following the guidance provided by traffic signs and pavement markings. To learn more, click on Roundabout Driving Q&A: https://www.rtcwashoe.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/QAroundabouts.pdf.

Learn How to Safely Navigate a Roundabout: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKNw5ct3_lA