4th Street/Prater Way Bus Rapid Transit Project
Reno and Sparks, Nev.
Award of Merit

Owner/Developer: Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County
Lead Design Firm: Wood Rodgers Inc.
General Contractor: Spanish Springs Construction
Design: H+K Architects; Dinter Engineering
Subcontractors: Headway Transportation; LA Studio; Spanish Springs Construction; PAR Electrical Contractors; Nevada Barricade and Sign; Legends Landscaping; Capital Glass; Martin Iron Works; Tutto Ferro

Ten years in the making, the 4th Street and Prater Way corridor—also known as U.S. Highway 40—spans the Reno and Sparks communities. Completed ahead of schedule in November 2018 and under budget, the project has resulted in a safer and more inviting roadway while preserving the corridor’s significance as one of the oldest highways in Nevada.

Brian Stewart, RTC engineering director, says the corridor enhances “the quality of life for the region by providing greater access to jobs and educational opportunities.” Improvements include lane reconfiguration, bike lanes, ADA-compliant and pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, streetlights, landscaping and new traffic signals. Transit stations provide new connectivity points. To better connect 4th Street Station in Reno and the Centennial Plaza in Sparks, an electric, zero-emissions bus rapid transit route was added.

The project has transformed what was considered a blighted area into a promising entertainment district for art, businesses, breweries, distilleries and restaurants.

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