The long-awaited East Lincoln Way Roundabout Project near the Outlets at Legends is nearing completion.

The Washoe County Regional Transportation Commission is putting finishing touches on the East Lincoln Way Roundabout Project before removing the cones and fully opening all lanes. 

RTC says both roundabouts on East Lincoln Way will see significant improvements, which will seek to reduce crashes, improve lane utilization, add capacity, and facilitate safer pedestrian crossings. 

"I think drivers are going to see a significant difference from the old geometry of the roundabouts. I know we got a lot of complaints about people crossing lanes, which made traffic, and moved into really knowing where to access stores like Scheels. So, it's a lot clearer now. That will cut down on fender benders," said RTC Public Information Officer, Josh MacEachern, 

He touched on some of the specific changes.

"One of the more prominent ones you'll see at the second roundabout is actually that right lane," he said. "So, it's a protected right turn. So, you don't have to worry quite as much about traffic coming across. These are all designs that we've approved and put in place to not only ease traffic but make it safer for pedestrians."

RTC hopes these changes further their efforts to make the area safer and easier to access for pedestrians and drivers alike. 

MacEachern says the next step is adding new pedestrian crossing signs to further enhance safety precautions in such a busy area. 

"As we kind of continue to look at it, do we see people are navigating it without fear? Fewer fender benders, fewer car pedestrian incidents, things like that. That's going to be where we really kind of start to see. We have got positive feedback that people are very glad that something is being done about a problem that they've seen in their community for a long time."