Southeast Connector opens next week, could save 14 minutes on your Reno-Sparks commute

Mike Higdon | Reno Gazette-Journal

Show Caption Hide Caption Flyover the Southeast Connector A June 10, 2018 flyover of the Southeast Connector shows an almost-compelted view of the new commuter route connecting Sparks and south Reno.

The long-awaited Southeast Connector between east Sparks and south Reno will open to traffic the evening of July 6, a week after a pre-grand opening for pedestrians and cyclists.

The 5.5-mile long Southeast Connector is called Veterans Parkway. It runs north-south along the far east of Sparks and Reno near Hidden Valley. The purpose of the road is to alleviate congestion on the spaghetti bowl for commuters who live in one Reno-Sparks community but work in another.

Regional Transportation Commission models show that commuters should save at least seven minutes one way if they take the new parkway instead of Interstates 80 and 580.

But these projections don't account for slow spaghetti bowl traffic, accidents or people going home to Spanish Springs, Virginia City or other destinations.

The commute, like the completed Interstate 580 through Washoe Valley, could change more or less dramatically for different people. And, the time savings will change after the initial rush of drivers recalibrate their daily routines, according to RTC.

The new route is not yet reflected accurately on Google or Apple Maps, so beware of trusting navigation apps until they catch up. Instead, here's your guide to the new road.

Speed limits and traffic lights

Veterans Parkway officially starts at Sparks Boulevard and Greg Street in the north and ends at South Meadows Parkway in the south.

The $300 million road is a "parkway" meaning that is has a 45 MPH speed limit.

The parkway is three lanes in each direction (six total), with medians and barriers separating oncoming traffic most of the way.

Two other roads, Mira Loma and Pembroke drives, cross Veterans Parkway and create intersections with traffic lights. RTC officials said the traffic lights are programmed to remain green for Veterans Parkway drivers until someone touches sensors at those two crossing drives.

During commute hours, those lights are more likely to be triggered, said Brian Stewart, RTC Director of Engineering. But during off-peak hours, parkway drivers will likely see green lights.

Pedestrians and cyclists are separated

The RTC built a recreational path for pedestrian and cycling lane off to the side of Veterans Parkway to allow people to stay away from vehicles.

The pedestrian route runs alongside the entire parkway, switching sides halfway through. At bridges, it joins up with the roadway with barriers. The path also includes pull outs and stopping locations for people to rest or take in the views.

Wetlands, views and wildlife

The parkway takes commuters through a previously untraversed part of Sparks, Washoe County and Reno. The sweeping views of wetlands, mountains, meadows, ranches and wildlife habitat are stunning for those who enjoy Nevada's rugged terrain.

The RTC converted floodplains into wetlands, which Stewart said, helps naturally filter dirty water coming out of Virginia Lake before it touches the Truckee River. The RTC also removed invasive weeds and reseeded the wetlands with native plants.

The wetlands now host pelicans and other water fowl.

To protect drivers from all these critters, the RTC installed one-way fences that are supposed to prevent animals from walking toward the road. The fence allows them to escape though, if an animal somehow makes it through.

The RTC also raised the roadbed above the 117-year floodplain. That means if the region experiences a flood similar to January 2017, Veterans Parkway would become a safe escape route, Stewart said.

The Southeast Connector does not prevent flooding, but it is designed to hold water back from flooding other parts of the community, according to the RTC.

So when does it open?

Starting at 8 a.m. June 30, the RTC will host a "Fun Run Bike Walk Event" for people to casually explore the entire new route.

People cannot park on the road yet, so RTC will provide shuttle services from The Outlets at Legends and Kendyl Depoali Middle School, along with several stops within the Southeast Connector.

Park & walk locations:

Parking lot located near to the southeast corner of the Southeast Connector at Greg Street and Sparks Boulevard intersection, across the street from the Alamo. This parking lot closes at noon.

Hidden Valley Elementary at 2115 Alphabet Dr. in Reno.

Rosewood Lakes Golf Course parking lot at 6800 Pembroke Dr. This parking lot closes at noon.

Due to parking limitations, the RTC encourages people to carpool, ride their bikes to the event and to arrive early when the event opens.

Weather that day is expected to be in the 90s, so the RTC is encouraging people to bring water, dress for warm weather, wear sunscreen and hats or bring an umbrella for shade. The road is 5.5 miles long, and people will be permitted to walk, run or bike as far as they prefer, and can turn around at any point.

On July 6, the Southeast Connector will hold a grand opening ceremony, with limited access to the roadway for parking. It will then remain closed to traffic until that evening.

People will be able to start full-time driving the next morning on July 7.

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Mike Higdon is the city life reporter at the RGJ and can be found on Instagram @MillennialMike, on Facebook at Mike Higdon, Reno Life and on Twitter @MikeHigdon.