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Elected leaders celebrate the groundbreaking of the Pyramid/McCarran Intersection Improvement Project on April 7.
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RTC BREAKS GROUND FOR THE PYRAMID WAY AND MCCARRAN BOULEVARD INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
Elected officials marked the beginning of a project more than a decade in the making. Improvements now underway at Pyramid Way and McCarran Boulevard will enhance safety, improve air quality, give people transportation choices and improve traffic flow. The project will add dedicated turning lanes on both McCarran and Pyramid and an additional through lane in each direction on Pyramid. A new paved multi-use path will also parallel Pyramid on the eastern side. The path will be flanked with mature trees that the RTC worked with the City of Sparks to preserve. A decorative wall will also create a scenic gateway to Sparks and Spanish Springs.
At the groundbreaking ceremony on April 7, the RTC announced the project will include a memorial to the late Senator Debbie Smith. Senator Smith lived nearby the project site and was involved in the community planning process. She was also a leader in the Nevada State Legislature for transportation issues, including SB 201. This bill, passed into law, enabled the RTC to index fuel tax and helped fund the Pyramid/McCarran Intersection Improvement Project.
In the near term, AT&T plans to close one lane of Pyramid Way in the northbound direction from Greenbrae Drive to McCarran Boulevard for utility installation. Now that construction is underway, the public may receive traffic control updates by going to: http://pyramidmccarran.com and signing up for email updates. When individuals sign up, they also become eligible for $25 gift card giveaways to participating businesses near the project site. The gift card program is part of a larger plan to support businesses during construction.
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Nicole Flynn (center) joined the project team for the announcement of the RTC LINCOLN LINE on April 23.
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TRANSIT RIDER NAMES NEW RTC LINCOLN LINE
Nicole Flynn is a frequent RTC transit rider and beginning in early 2019 she will be able to ride on the bus line she named! Nicole’s idea for the transit line name was among 231 ideas submitted by members of the public via social media, the RTC website and suggestion boxes at transit centers. Nicole and her family attended a grand unveiling where Nicole came on stage to reveal the transit line to be called: the RTC LINCOLN LINE. The new transit name announcement was made at the 4th Street Block Party held on April 23 celebrating 4th Street as an emerging Arts & Brewery District.
The name pays homage to the history of 4th Street and Prater Way as part of the famous Lincoln Highway. It is also a tribute to President Lincoln, who was in office when Nevada was admitted into the Union. The RTC LINCOLN LINE will use all-electric buses, the nation’s first all-electric bus rapid transit route and better connect downtown Reno and downtown Sparks providing access to jobs and educational opportunities. The project also gives everyone transportation choices with added bike lanes, improved sidewalks and lighting; enhances safety and gives everyone access under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Learn more at: http://4thprater.com.
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Donated items filled a RTC electric bus at a 2014 Stuff-A-Bus event. This event is held twice a year to support seniors in our community.
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STUFF-A-BUS FOR SENIORS
May is Older Americans Month and the RTC is calling on the community to help Stuff-A-Bus for Seniors! With a growing senior population in Washoe County, the RTC has teamed up with the City of Reno, Washoe County Senior Services and the Reno Aces Ball Club to help seniors in need. On May 31, a RTC bus will be parked at the Reno Aces Ballpark from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. to collect NEW, donated items for seniors. Everyone who donates a new item to help stuff the bus will receive a buy one ticket, get one ticket free deal for a future Aces game.
Some of the requested items include: slippers, lightweight sweaters, jackets and men’s/women’s pajamas, bathroom towels and washcloths, small air circulation fans, adult diapers, grocery and pharmacy gift cards and transit passes.
Starting on May 9, donations will be accepted at designated locations through the end of the month. Click here for a list of locations.
For additional information and a complete list of items you can donate, go to http://RTCwashoe.com and click on Hot Topics. The donated items will be distributed by Washoe County Senior Services to seniors in our community.
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RTC RECEIVES USDOT COMMENDATIONS
As the federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the region, the RTC recently received their MPO certification from the USDOT Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration. The RTC was commended for the work we accomplished during this review process highlighting the agency’s leadership in implementing a planning process with a renewed focus on public involvement, transparency and performance based planning. The RTC is a multi-function agency which serves as the public transit authority, the builder of regional roads and the MPO for the region.
The certification findings were presented to the RTC Board at its April Board meeting. The commendations received recognized the RTC’s 2035 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP), adopted in April 2013, and the agency’s public outreach efforts. In the review by the federal agencies, it was evident the RTP demonstrated a transparent process which clearly lays out the priorities for the MPO and performance measures. “The review team was extremely impressed with the quantity and content of the RTP. Overall, the 2035 RTP serves as an exceptional national best practice of an MPO Long Range Plan,” stated Susan Klekar, Nevada Division Administrator, FHWA to the RTC Board. To date, there have been 120 public meetings and presentations this fiscal year. The public outreach commendation lauded RTC’s planning products demonstrating a strong outreach component which provide the public opportunities for input through various forums, multiple public meetings and its responsiveness to the public. “Input is not only received, but the RTC also reports back to the public frequently to let them know their ideas and comments have been heard,” Susan further stated.
We continually seek new and effective ways to reach the community. “The RTC’s public outreach program serves as a role model to the government entities in the region for successful and meaningful community engagement,” said RTC Board Chair and Reno Councilmember Neoma Jardon. Development of the 2040 RTP is now underway and we have hosted seven community forums since late February. I am very appreciative of the USDOT’s recognition for the work we have accomplished and it inspires us to enhance and improve our methods to engage the public to address the transportation needs of our community. On behalf of the RTC Board of Commissioners and my staff, I want to thank the community and our local leaders for their support and participation in our public process to deliver projects and programs that improve our region’s transportation systems.
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RTC Director of Planning Amy Cummings documents input from attendees at the 2040 RTP Seniors and ADA Forum held on April 14.
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2040 REGIONAL PLAN UPDATE
The RTC is working to update its long-term transportation plan for the region, the 2040 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP). This process involves extensive community input. Many have already shared their ideas for the future at forums focusing on: Seniors and the Americans with Disabilities Act, Regional Rail and Transit, Freight, Economic Development, Veterans and Millennials. The first 2040 RTP Community Open House is scheduled for June 2 at The Discovery Museum at 4:30 to 7 pm. To view materials from the forums, visit the Hot Topics page on our website.
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Safe Routes to School Officer MJ Cloud, Julie Hunter of the Washoe County Air Quality Management District, RTC Planner Rebecca Kapuler and RTC Chair Neoma Jardon mark Bike Week at the RTC Board meeting held April 15.
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RTC BOARD CELEBRATES BIKE WEEK
The RTC is dedicated to giving everyone transportation choices, including riding a bike! The RTC Board issued a proclamation for Bike Safety Month and Bike Week during May 2016. Bike riding is great exercise, improves air quality and saves money. May 14 through May 20 is Bike Week and events will take place throughout the week to encourage and promote this healthy mode of transportation. Activities include a photo contest, raffle and commuter challenge. Learn more about the week’s festivities and about prizes at: http://www.bikewashoe.org.
The week culminates in a celebration in the Statewide Lighting parking lot at 1311 S. Virginia Street on Saturday, May 14 from 11 am to 4 pm. Play bike bingo or head to the bike swap at the Snowflake Pavilion at Idlewild Park. Let’s all be safe when riding a bike and drivers should look out for bicyclists.
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Members of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) pose with RTC and City of Reno representatives, including Mayor Hillary Schieve, RTC Commissioner and Reno City Councilmember Paul McKenzie, Councilmember Naomi Duerr and City Manager Andrew Clinger.
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URBAN LAND INSTITUTE OFFERS EXPERT ADVICE
 Members of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) recently conducted a week-long analysis and shared results of an extensive look at how to revitalize Virginia Street and the surrounding area in Reno. The ULI panel was comprised of planners and economic development experts which included the former mayor of Pittsburgh, PA. Among the ULI’s findings were the importance of green space and street trees, creation of a walkable pedestrian environment and providing bike lanes on Sierra Street and Center Street. The ULI members reinforced the RTC’s Virginia Street RAPID Extension Project for enhancing safety, mobility and connectivity on Virginia Street and the bike network on nearby streets Click on the photo to view a video simulation of the RTC's plans for the Midtown area.
The ULI announced their preliminary findings during a public forum on April 8 at the Atlantis, with a final report to be issued in May. Their analysis concluded that creating a more vibrant and connected Virginia Street Corridor will encourage both economic growth and revitalization. These are among the goals of the Virginia Street RAPID Extension Project, which is now in the design stage. The project will result in improved and extended RAPID bus service to UNR, fostering a better connection from the University to Downtown and Midtown. The project will also result in wider sidewalks in Midtown, compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), new street trees and a multi-modal hub near UNR. Following extensive and ongoing input from members of the community, businesses and elected leaders, the RTC is scheduled to break ground on this project in 2018. For more information on the project, go to: http://virginiastreetrapidextension.com.
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NEW ENEWS FEATURES
We’ve made it easier for you to share the eNews with your network. Following each article you will find buttons to send the eNews or articles via social media or email. Additionally, individuals can now subscribe to receive the eNews through our website or by clicking on the SUBSCRIBE button at the top of the eNews. A new QR code will also be on RTC printed materials enabling anyone with a smartphone to sign up for the eNews. I encourage you to share the eNews and I hope you enjoy reading about our projects, programs and activities.
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UPCOMING EVENTS AND MEETINGS
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