Sky Vista Widening
Construction Update:
Paving has been completed for the project and the team is working towards substantial completion and opening the project up to traffic. Substantial completion is targeted for December 11th
Paving has been completed for the project and the team is working towards substantial completion, which is anticipated to be December 11th, weather pending. The team is currently working on striping so the eastbound lanes can be opened to traffic. Other ongoing work includes landscaping, lighting, and sign installation.
Construction activities are generally scheduled Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. – 6 p.m., with some Saturday work as needed. The contractor may need to work some nights. Notice will be given to residents in advance if night work is needed.
Pedestrian access along Sky Vista from Silver Lake Road to Vista Knoll Parkway is still temporarily closed until approximately the end of this year. Please use our pedestrian access detour, highlighted in orange in the map above, to access North Valleys Regional Park. If you need to cross Sky Vista to get to the park, use the crosswalk at Silver Lake or the pedestrian beacon located at the east park entrance. This closure is needed for pedestrian safety during earthwork, grading, utilities, and retaining wall construction.
Silver Lake Road to East of Vista Knoll Parkway
- Improve congestion and enhance safety for motorists and pedestrians
- Provide 5’ wide bike lanes to protect cyclists
- Widen roadway – Two lanes in each direction
- New raised center median with dedicated left turn lanes
- Multi-use path on both sides of roadway
- New roundabout at Silver Lake Road
- ADA Improvements, transit upgrades,increased lighting, and drainage enhancements
Stake Holder Emails – Click Here
Roundabout
Why did we choose a roundabout? During the Summer of 2020 in our pre-planning phase of the project, we performed an analysis that evaluated three options for the Silver Lake Road intersection. The RTC took a look at how a signalized, unsignalized, or roundabout alternative would be the best
- Roundabout traffic operations performed much better than signalized and unsignalized intersections for AM and PM peaks (fewest delays);
- Safety analysis showed that roundabout crashes (fatal and injury) are much lower than signalized and unsignalized intersections;
- Roundabouts force traffic to slow to about 20 MPH which is safer for pedestrians crossing into the regional park; and
- The cost was estimated as approximately $180,000 less than the signalized intersection.
Additionally, studies have indicated that replacing traffic signals with roundabouts can increase the capacity of a road by 30 to 50 percent. Studies* have shown that when compared to signalized intersections, roundabouts result in:
- 90% fewer traffic fatalities
- 75% fewer injury collisions
*Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety “Status Report Vol. 40, No. 9.”
Lean more about how to safely drive in a roundabout at rtcwashoe.com.
General Project Information
The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Washoe County will begin construction on Sky Vista Parkway Project on Monday, August 15, 2022. The project limits are on Sky Vista Parkway from Silver Lake Road to just east of Vista Knoll Parkway. As part of the project, the RTC will widen the road from one lane in each direction to two lanes in each direction. There will also be improvements for other roadway users.
As part of the project, the RTC will be adding new street lighting for safety, along with brand new eight-foot-wide sidewalks, and five-foot-wide bike lanes on both sides of Sky Vista Parkway.
During construction, two-way traffic will be maintained on Sky Vista Parkway, but drivers can anticipate some minor lane closures and possible delays. Transit users may see bus stop relocations. For transit information, please visit rtcwashoe.com.
Design Firm: Atkins North America
Construction Contractor: Spanish Springs Construction
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Total Project Estimate: $18.3 million
Funding Source: RTC Fuel Tax, RRIF Fees
Judy Tortelli, PE RTC Project Manager
Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County
775.335.1824
[email protected]