RTC’s design consultant team has worked with Sparks staff, the public, and the corridor study previously completed by RTC to develop a capacity and multimodal project to enhance Sparks Boulevard between Greg Street and Baring Boulevard.

 

Construction of this project is currently planned to be divided into phases. This is an effort to coordinate the construction timing of this major project with another major roadway project in the area, the first phase of the Nevada Department of Transportation's (NDOT) Pyramid / US395 Connector Project. The first phase of the Sparks Boulevard Project will provide some improvements ahead of the first phase of the NDOT Pyramid / US395 Connector Project, while the second phase will begin after the completion of that NDOT project. Phase 1 of the Sparks Boulevard Project is proposed to be from Greg Street to the westbound I-80 ramps and includes pavement rehabilitation and restriping to accommodate three lanes of traffic in each direction. This phase does not include bridge widening but will maintain the existing shared-use path. Construction of this phase is anticipated in the 2022 construction season and is estimated to cost approximately $5 million. Phase 2 of the Sparks Boulevard Project is proposed to be from the westbound I-80 ramps to Baring Boulevard. This phase will widen the roadway to three lanes in both the northbound and southbound directions and provide roadway rehabilitation. This phase will also maintain the shared use path and add bike lanes. Phase 2 of the Sparks Boulevard Project is anticipated in the 2024 and 2025 construction seasons and is estimated to cost approximately $60 million.

 

RTC and its consultant have held numerous public meetings, have engaged in the NEPA process, and have worked with City staff to develop the Alternatives Analysis Report for Sparks Boulevard. RTC is seeking any input the City Council may have as RTC and its consultant finalize the Alternatives Analysis Report, which identifies the Preferred Alternative. This report will be used to move the project forward to a 30% design level.

 

With this presentation, RTC will update the City Council on the status of the Sparks Boulevard Project and seek any input the City Council may have on the Preferred Alternative identified in the Alternatives Analysis Report.