03 Apr Virginia Street Project Weekly Update | April 3, 2020

Construction News
All operations are weather permitting.

Midtown

  • Thoma Street will be closed beginning Monday, April 6 for approximately three weeks for installation of a new Truckee Meadows Water Authority (TMWA) box structure.
  • Paving operations are anticipated to begin the week of April 6 on Virginia Street from Center Street to Mt. Rose Street. Virginia Street is closed to through traffic.  Please use Holcomb Avenue.
  • Curb, gutter and sidewalk installation on the west side of Virginia Street from Center Street to Liberty Street continues. Traffic is one-way southbound only on Virginia Street from California Street to Mt. Rose Street.
  • Installation of infrastructure for RAPID transit stations.
  • Roundabout construction on the westside of the roundabout is in process on Virginia Street at Center Street and Mary Street; Center Street is closed at Virginia Street.

 University of Nevada, Reno

  • Construction operations on Virginia Street between Interstate 80 and the University of Nevada, Reno West Stadium Parking Complex will begin the week of April 6. Two-way traffic on North Virginia Street will be pushed to the west side of the street to begin work on the east side of the new roundabout.
  • Demolition of the buildings located on the east side of Virginia Street between 8th Street and 9th Street is in process. Construction work associated with building demolition will generally take place Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., although could go as late as 7 p.m. on some days, and could include some Saturday work. The demolition in this area will make way for roadway widening, a transit station, a bus lane, a shared bike lane, and wider sidewalks.
  • Visit the University of Nevada, Reno section of our website for University of Nevada, Reno-specific construction information. Sign up to receive the University Stakeholder update, too!

Construction Safety

Governor Sisolak’s Emergency Directive 003  designated construction operations on critical infrastructure as essential. At the RTC, contracted construction crews fill a critical role in building and improving regional roadways.

SNC crews are taking health and safety seriously during the pandemic by following the Nevada Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) COVID-19 guidance for construction operations.

The following health and safety measures are in place:

  • Construction workers practice social distancing by being six feet away from each other.
  • Management has scaled down crew sizes and requires social distancing at meetings.
  • Workers eat meals separately in their vehicles or in areas that allow at least six feet of separation.
  • Crews avoid carpooling.
  • Crews avoid common-use water coolers.
  • Workers are asked to wash their hands frequently with soap and water.
  • Construction crews are provided portable bathroom units with wash basins and soap for thorough hand cleaning.
  • Crews are provided bottles of disinfectant and wipes for tools and vehicles.
  • Crews are provided hand sanitizer.
  • Workers must stay home if they exhibit any symptoms consistent with a cold, flu or COVID-19.

Community Support

We encourage the community to support businesses during this difficult time. Below are support opportunities:
Curbside/Takeout, Delivery, Online Ordering – Yelp has provided a list of Reno/Sparks businesses who are providing these services. Your favorite business may not be on the list, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t also providing these services. Make sure to call ahead to confirm and wash your hands before and after pick-up!

  • Purchase online gift cards – Many businesses offer online gift card purchasing. This is a great way to support your favorite businesses now and enjoy later.
  • Pay for your service in advance – If you had a scheduled appointment for a professional service such as hair, nails, or a spa treatment that has been cancelled, ask your provider if you can pay for your next appointment now.

Feed Our Heroes is a group of restaurants and sponsors committed to feeding our ER staff and first responders.  The real heroes in the fight against COVID-19 are the ones putting themselves in harm’s way to protect us, treat us, and keep us safe. As our front-line protectors, they are the ones coming in contact with our most critically ill and at-risk.  Because of this, they are working around the clock, avoiding grocery stores and avoiding take-out.

This is where Feed Our Heroes can help!  To learn more or sponsor a meal, email: Info@FeedOurHeroes.com or call 775-622-3222.

A message from Midtown District Reno:

In the coming days, we are working quickly to transition our messaging and strategy from #conexist to #midtownstrong for now. We would like to take this time to shine a light on businesses and tell your stories: how you came to be, your inspiration, your connection with the community, and what you are currently up to. We will do this in conjunction with highlighting your new service offerings on social and online channels.  To share your story click HERE.