North Valleys North Virginia Street Capacity Project

Public Meeting:

Join the RTC for an in-person public meeting on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the O’Brien Middle School Cafeteria, 5000 Silver Lake Rd., Reno, NV 89506. There will be a brief presentation at 6 p.m. The meeting materials are also available below in the section titled “Public Meeting #1 Materials.” You may submit public comments using the comment form at the bottom of this page. The public comment period is open through February 14, 2025.

About the Project:

The North Valleys North Virginia Street Capacity Project is a transformative effort to address the growing congestion along North Virginia Street, one of Reno’s key thoroughfares. As the City of Reno experiences increased population and the expansion of manufacturing employment centers in the North Valleys, there is an ongoing need for improved infrastructure.

Currently, the section of North Virginia Street from Panther Drive to Stead Boulevard is characterized by one lane in each direction, with intermittent sections featuring a center turn lane. In response to the escalating traffic demands, the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Washoe County, in collaboration with the City of Reno and dedicated regional partners, is embarking on a comprehensive redesign and capacity-improvement initiative.

The RTC’s goal is to create a reconfigured, wider, and safer roadway that will include two lanes in each direction. This strategic enhancement will not only alleviate the current congestion on North Virginia Street, but is also anticipated to relieve traffic pressure on nearby U.S. 395. This project is more than just a construction effort; it is an investment in the future of our community, facilitating smoother commutes, improved safety, and enhanced connectivity.

Join the RTC in the journey to create a more accessible, efficient, and vibrant North Virginia Street, making Reno’s growth and development even more sustainable. Together, we are paving the way for a brighter transportation future.

Community Benefits:

Enhanced traffic flow and safety
Increased roadway capacity to accommodate more vehicles efficiently
Enriched multimodal transportation opportunities for pedestrians, bicyclists, and people on scooters
Enhanced safety measures at intersections
Improved drainage systems
Accessibility improvements

Project Timeline:

The project has reached the 30% (preliminary) design stage and the RTC is seeking community input on the design plans. Project design will continue through spring 2026. Right-of-Way acquisition is anticipated to take place between fall 2025 and spring 2026. If your property is impacted, the RTC will be reaching out to you.

Please note, construction is tentatively anticipated to begin in 2027 and will not occur at the same time as U.S. 395 improvements.