The Reno City Council unanimously approved a temporary construction easement for the Virginia Street Bridge Replacement Project. That means that construction will begin as soon as permits and funding are approved. The historic bridge has stood since 1905 and time has taken its toll. The new bridge is expected to enhance and beautify the area.
"Nice pedestrian ways on both sides," John Flansberg, Director of Public Works said. "There's actually a step-down on the river on the plaza side. So, it's going to be a nice amenity when it's completed."
The bridge has weakened, over the past century, to the point that one side has been closed to parking on more than one occasion. But the main reason for its replacement is because of flooding.
"When we have flooding in the river, the middle center pier will actually hold debris back," Flansberg said. "The new design will not have a center pier. So, it will allow for much more flow to go through."
Construction was supposed to begin last spring but that's been postponed for various reasons. Now, the City is in the final stages of the environmental clearances.
"We have authority to move ahead, once we get the federal authorization to begin the project," Deanna Gescheider, City of Reno Director of Communications said.
The City is prepared to go out to bid for a contractor for the $18 million project, paid for by a federal grant. plaza will be used as a staging area for the construction project. That means the ice skating rink will have a new home.
"We do have the opportunity to relocate the ice rink to the Aces Ballpark so that citizens can continue to enjoy the ice skating, this winter," Gescheider said.
Relocation of utilities, located on or in the bridge, will take place over the winter. Construction could begin this spring.
"We're getting ready and prepared," Gescheider said. "Getting those authorizations is key so that when it is set to go, the grant funding kicks into play and then we go."
About 14,000 people cross this bridge, every day, so there will be some traffic issues once the work begins. The City plans to communicate with residents about alternate routes. Construction will last 12 to 18 months.
