NDOT hosts meeting on South Virginia Street Safety Improvement Plan

RENO, Nev. — The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) hosted a public information meeting Thursday on South Virginia Street traffic safety.

With about 25,000 people traveling on South Virginia Street each day, many locals were more than willing to share their thoughts at Thursday's meeting.

"I've lived here for about 30 years just off South Virginia Street, and it's been terrible as far as biking or walking along this segment of road," South Reno resident Jim McNamara said.

At Thursday's meeting, members of the public were able to provide feedback on a number of concepts NDOT is considering for a new Safety Improvement Plan for South Virginia Street from East Patriot Boulevard to Mount Rose Highway.

"These concepts not only enhance safety for drivers, but everyone else who is using South Virginia Street, whether by bike, whether pedestrian or transit users as well," Public Information Officer for NDOT Meg Ragonese said.

The concepts NDOT is suggesting include dedicated bus lanes, raised medians, separated bike lanes and more.

"I'm against the bike lanes. Now, this idea of putting the bus lanes in the middle -- it looks kind of odd, but when you think about how that would work, the busses traveling in the middle would probably be more efficient," South Reno resident Lyndell Brown said.

The plan comes as the stretch of road in question has become increasingly dangerous in recent years, with about 300 crashes and five deaths occurring there between 2015 and 2021.

"It's still too deadly without pedestrian improvements, both at the crossings and lighting. So, I hope this comes to pass and quicker rather than later," McNamara said.

Members of the public can still view the plan and provide feedback online through Apr. 26.