On Wednesday, Mayor Ed Lawson and the Regional Transportation Commission gave a joint update on the big Sparks Boulevard Project that's been affecting traffic.
During the update, they touched on the improvements between Greg Street and Baring Boulevard.
They told us the project is expanding capacity, improving traffic operations, and enhancing safety for drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit riders.
Dale Keller, the Deputy Executive Director of RTC, says, "As of today, we're over 40% complete. We're right on schedule and right on budget. We're working with our contractors to accelerate some of this work, and there are some early milestones we hope to accomplish and get this project complete as a benefit to the community."
Construction has been impacting businesses, too.
"It's been a major impact on construction and the businesses around here,” Keller said. “But we're making really significant progress today. It's the heat of summer. We want to thank everyone for their patience as they go through our construction zone."
Sparks Mayor Ed Lawson says, "There's some frustration, as there always is in construction. I've visited a couple of the businesses over here to reassure them. I communicate with RTC to make sure their signage is up, and we're open for business. We want everyone to know that we're open for business during this time. It's a hardship on the businesses, but at the end of the day, the improvements are going to be wonderful."
The mayor also told us why they wanted to conduct the construction to begin with. "We were experiencing significant backups and traffic jams, and if there was an accident, there wasn't any place to pull over. It's just making this commute easier."
When construction is done, they will have a six-lane facility and a separated shared-use path for both pedestrians and cyclists.
They're looking to have Sparks Boulevard and Baring Boulevard done just in time for kids to head back to school.
Regarding keeping the community updated, Keller says, "We're trying to find the best way you can get in and get out, but also we want to get this work done as quickly as possible, so anticipate some trade-off. We anticipate some of that pain you'll experience, but overall we're looking to get as much work done this summer and have a whole new roadway system up here this fall and be done by early next year."
Mayor Lawson reminds everyone, "Just be patient with the crews, and most of all be safe, please. We have people that have families that are working here, so obey the traffic laws and watch out for the workers. We want everybody to get home safe and sound to their family at the end of the day."
The project is expected to be complete by the summer of next year.
