UPDATE - June 23:
The first phase of a flood protection project along the Truckee River has been completed, marking a milestone in ongoing improvements planned for the RiverWalk area.
The City of Reno announced phase one of the Riverside Drive Berm Project is complete. Work began in January and focused on raising and stabilizing the berm and sidewalk along the north bank of the Truckee River between Booth Street and Lundsford Park to meet 14,000 cubic feet per second flood capacity standards.
Crews replaced the existing five foot sidewalk with a new 10 foot accessible pathway and installed riprap along the riverbank to help prevent erosion.
City officials said all trees surrounding the project were protected during construction.
The project represents the first phase of planned flood protection improvements along the Truckee River.
“The RiverWalk is a beloved place for our residents, and I’m thrilled to see these improvements help preserve our natural public spaces,” said Ward 1 Councilmember Kathleen Taylor. “Projects like the Riverside Drive Berm Project are essential to maintaining these public areas and ensuring they remain enjoyable for years to come.”
“We’re proactively protecting our outdoor spaces for future generations with this project,” said Ward 2 Councilmember Naomi Duerr. “This area is an important part of the RiverWalk experience for both residents and visitors, and I’m excited to see these phase one improvements completed.”
The $1,398,933 construction project was funded by the Truckee River Flood Management Authority through an Interlocal Funding Agreement approved by the Reno City Council in July 2025. Design funding was provided by the Carson Truckee Water Conservancy District, and construction was managed by the City of Reno.
Planning for phase two is underway and currently in the design, analysis and permitting stages.
The next phase will include construction of a floodwall west of Booth Street to continue improving flood protection along the Truckee River and achieve the 14,000 cubic feet per second flood capacity standard. Construction is expected to begin in summer 2028
ORIGINAL STORY - Jan 23:
If you usually take a stroll along Riverside Drive, plan a new route. Starting Monday, January 26, a section of the walking path will be closed for about three months while the city strengthens the riverbank and expands the trail.
The City of Reno will begin work on the Riverside Drive Berm Project along the north bank of the Truckee River between Booth Street and Lundsford Park.
The project will raise and stabilize the berm and sidewalk to meet 14,000 cubic-feet-per-second flood-capacity standards.
The existing five-foot sidewalk will be replaced with a 10-foot accessible pathway, and riprap will be added along the riverbank to prevent erosion.
This work marks the first phase of planned flood-protection improvements along the Truckee River.
During construction, the south-side walking path along Riverside Drive from Booth Street to Ralston Street will be closed.
Pedestrians will be detoured to the north side of the road, and intermittent traffic control is expected.
City officials said all trees surrounding the project will be protected, and construction is expected to finish by spring 2026.
The $1,398,933 project is funded by the Truckee River Flood Management Authority through an Interlocal Funding Agreement approved by the Reno City Council in July 2025. Design funding comes from the Carson-Truckee Water Conservancy District, and the City of Reno will manage construction.
For updates on road closures during the project, the public can visit the City of Reno’s Road Closure Information page.
