There is an update on the $87 million dollar Virginia Street Project connecting Midtown to University of Nevada, Reno. On May 14, 2020, RTC announced the northern part of the project near University of Nevada, Reno is set to finish in the fall as expected. But the time-line for the Midtown part of the project has changed.
Construction crews are on a tear to finish the Virginia Street Project near University of Nevada, Reno. Meanwhile at a different location in the project in Midtown, a different type of crew is doing their own type of prep work. "They are going to open the southbound lane of Virginia Street in Midtown. Hey guys come on, come down here. ," said Bubble Tea Station Cafe owner owner Resty Reyes. "The Midtown section, we do have some of that roadway closed. That will be open to one-way southbound traffic on Friday May 15th, 2020," said RTC Public Information Officer Lauren Ball.
Reyes is excited that the road is opening, even if it is only for southbound traffic. The long term time-line is also looking good. "In Midtown we've been able to shave about 3 months off that project deadline. So that will be opening in August to 2-way-traffic, instead of in November," said Ball. "Dreams do come true. I thought they were going to be ended the project in November or December. Now it's moving fast," said Reyes.
COVID-19 has allowed for faster work on the project. Fewer cars on the road mean crews could shut down the street completely. For businesses along the street however its been difficult. "It's totally closed and there is no way for people to come over to our businesses. That's why everyone was complaining. You know the COVID-19 is hurting us, but now getting the roadway opened up early is kind of a big help for a little business operator like me," said Reyes.
With new trees, sidewalks, and the roundabout expected in Midtown right by his business, Reyes is excited that he chose to open a new location where he did. Especially considering the business he expects tomorrow to bring.
The RTC is also building a roundabout further North near the University of Nevada, Reno on Virginia Street. It's working on the East side of that now, while construction on the West side will happen in the coming months.
The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Washoe County and Sierra Nevada Construction (SNC) are continuing to accelerate construction operations on Virginia Street.
They say as business closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic have been extended through the end of April, the project team has identified another opportunity to fast track the project.
RTC says beginning Wednesday, April 15, Virginia Street will be closed to all traffic from Center Street/Mary Street to St. Lawrence Avenue.
They say through traffic going southbound on Virginia Street will be detoured at Liberty Street, but vehicles accessing businesses will be directed by flaggers to access Virginia Street up to St. Lawrence Avenue.
RTC says this closure will be effective 24 hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week until April 30, 2020. This date is based on businesses potentially re-opening.
They also say beginning on Wednesday, April 15, the segment of Virginia Street that was previously closed to traffic, from Mt. Rose Street/Holcomb Avenue to Mary Street/Center Street will reopen to one-way traffic.
RTC says two-way traffic will continue on Virginia Street from Mt. Rose Street to Plumb Lane.
They say side streets are open so people can access essential businesses and pick up to-go food orders from Midtown restaurants.
RTC says the project team is working with businesses to accommodate deliveries from their vendors, customers to pick-up to go orders and safely access businesses.
