Sky Vista Widening
October-November 2022 Construction Update:
Construction:
Construction on the Sky Vista Parkway Project continues to progress on schedule. Storm drain installation started in September and should be substantially complete by end of the year. Additionally, most utility relocations have been completed and slope grading for the widened roadway will be finished by December 2022. Grading and preparation of the roundabout may begin towards the end of December if weather permits.
Lane Closures: There will be one lane of traffic in each direction maintained throughout the project. However, there may be periodic short-term lane closures and flagging operations.When lane closures are required, the contractor will utilize:
- Portable traffic control signs;
- Trained flaggers;
- and Traffic Cones.
No lane closures will occur between the hours of 7:00 and 9:00 a.m. or between 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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.
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]