UNR District Project

When will construction begin?

The Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County is planning a major roadway construction project that will make significant changes to Virginia Street between Interstate 80 and the University of Nevada, Reno West Stadium Parking Complex. The RTC anticipates construction activities will begin in March 2020 and continue through November 2020, weather permitting.

 

As the construction dates draw closer, RTC will begin providing regular construction updates that will include more detailed information about construction activities, traffic control and detours. People can subscribe to receive project updates through the website, VirginiaStreetProject.com. For more information about the project, people can email info@VirginiaStreetProject.com, text Virginia to 797979, and follow RTC on social media: Facebook.com/RTCWashoe, Twitter: @RTCWashoe, or Instagram: @RTCWashoe.

What are the traffic impacts?

We anticipate lane closures and minor detours on Virginia Street from 8th Street to the University’s West Stadium Parking Complex.

 

Driveway closures of one hour or more are possible during construction activities. Businesses will be given at least 24-hour notice of driveway closures. The RTC will maintain access to businesses and residences. The RTC will also provide business signage, pedestrian walk routes and communicate where parking for business will be located. The RTC project team will have a dedicated construction liaison who will work directly with businesses and the construction team to provide businesses information in advance. The RTC project team will also be available to provide information and respond to questions during construction.

What are the improvements?

The Virginia Street Bus RAPID Transit Extension Project is an $87-million investment in our community to improve safety and mobility along this heavily traveled corridor. The project will extend the RTC’s existing RAPID Virginia Line service from Meadowood Mall all the way to the University. When the extended transit route launches in 2021, the RTC anticipates an increase in ridership on this route. The University and the community will benefit from the extended RAPID service and new stations because of their convenient locations and quick access to destinations along Virginia Street from campus to downtown Reno, Midtown Reno, and Meadowood Mall.

 

The bus route that will extend to the University is the RAPID Virginia Line transit route, which is an enhanced transit service. The route has features that allow buses to travel more quickly on Virginia Street, with fewer stops, than on regular bus routes, including transit stops approximately every half mile, raised level-boarding platforms to allow passengers to get on and off quickly, dedicated bus lanes in some locations, and technology that allows the bus to communicate with traffic signals to help keep the route on schedule.

 

The RAPID routes (Virginia Line and Lincoln Line) are the highest-ridership routes in RTC’s transit system. Extending the RAPID Virginia Line to the University will increase ridership while providing students, faculty and staff with an enhanced travel option through the Virginia Street corridor in Reno. In addition to the RAPID station, other improvements include the addition of wider sidewalks that meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, bicycle lanes, and a center median in some areas.

 

Parking is limited in and around the campus, which can impede access. Transit helps improve access and walkability, reduces pollution, and is a sustainable solution that contributes to a better quality of life for those who live nearby transit stops and choose to ride transit.

Highlights of the project 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

What about parking?

Parking is limited in and around campus, even without construction taking place. Those with parking passes or using parking garages will see minimal parking impacts, but street parking will be affected during construction. University students, faculty and staff are encouraged to use RTC transit, which is free with a University ID as part of RTC’s ED PASS pilot program.

Will construction be ongoing during special events?

University special events are important to our community. We are working with campus staff and special event organizers to minimize construction impacts during events. Construction operations may not be active during special events, but traffic control will be in place. The project team will ensure the construction area is safe, clean and that the University campus is accessible during special events.

Can I ride my bike?

Yes.  The project corridor will be an active construction zone, but bicyclists are permitted.

Where can I get more information?

For more information text VIRGINIA to 797979 to receive text updates about the project. You can also call the project hotline at 775-300-1848.

Thank you in advance for your patience and partnership as we work together to improve our community’s transportation systems. .