What is the southeast connector?
The Southeast Connector is a new highway that is being built between the southern end of Sparks Boulevard in Sparks and the South Meadows Parkway and Veterans Parkway in Reno. It will be built in phases, with completion scheduled for 2016. The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) is the lead agency for the SouthEast Connector project. For RTC project information, call (775) 398-5059.
Why is the SouthEast connector needed?
The SouthEast connector is designed to alleviate traffic congestion between the East Sparks commercial / industrial area and a similar activity area in South Reno. Over the years, both metropolitan areas have grown significantly, resulting in heavy traffic moving over existing roads. Without a direct route, street congestion between these areas has become a concern both for those living in nearby residential areas and for businesses that need to use these corridors for business purposes. Additionally, the project is designed to provide additional bicycles and recreational facilities to Truckee Meadows.
SouthEast Connector timeline and map
SouthEast Connector is a whole new way. From the southern end of Sparks Boulevard, it passes through an area that had no north-south road before. Project studies and other necessary work leading to the actual construction have been going on for years. The project timeline requires Phase 1 to be completed in April 2014. Phase 2 is scheduled to be completed in 2016. A map clearly showing the SouthEast Connector route is included on the Project Status page.
SouthEast Connector project phases
Phase 1 began in February 2013. This part of the project consists of building bridges across the Truckee River and Clear Water Way and completing the road south of Clear Water Way. Phase 1 is scheduled for completion in April 2014. Phase 2 continues south from the end of Phase 1 and will complete the project at South Meadows Parkway and Veterans Parkway in Reno. Completion of phase 2 is scheduled for 2016. The total length of the SouthEast connector will be 5.5 miles.
SouthEast connector problems
The SouthEast connector was first proposed decades ago. Planning included several proposed alignments until construction was completed in 2008. (Download the Phase 2 alignment map to see where the SouthEast connector will run between the Truckee River and south Reno).
It has not been easy to get to this point. The chosen route will pass through areas of wetlands that are some of the few that remain before the white settlement. Steamboat Creek is nearby, as are the ponds and swamps at Rosewood Lakes Golf Course. An agreement had to be reached with the city of Reno, which owns the golf course, which will eliminate 9 holes. The project affects the main station farm at the University of Nevada, Reno. Other environmental problems related to water and wildlife had to be overcome as well.
Many nearby residents are also not very happy with the SouthEast Connector. Many people who live in the Hidden Valley neighborhood are opposed to a busy highway being built next to their quiet subdivision at the foot of the Virginia Range.
Learn more about RTC’s SouthEast Connector Project
- SouthEast Connector FAQs
- SouthEast Connector project history
- SouthEast Connector Project Fact Sheet
- SouthEast Connector project files
