Corridor Concepts
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3rd Street
EAST WEST

TRAFFIC VOLUMES
3,700
Existing Traffic Volumes (NDOT TRINA Database)
1,500
2050 Forecasted Volumes (RTC Travel Demand Model)
DESIGNATIONS
Primary Emergency Vehicle Route*
Existing RTC Transit Route
*Emergency Vehicle Routes are prevented from including vertical traffic calming elements such as speed bumps, speed humps, speed tables, etc.
CRASH HISTORY
11
Total Corridor Crashes (2016 - 2020)
TOP CRASH INTERSECTIONS (TOTAL #):
4
West Street
2
N. Virginia Street
CRASH DATA HIGHLIGHT:
1 bicycle crash, 1 pedestrian crash
The 3rd/Plaza Street corridor provides a low-speed low-volume connection from the east to west side of downtown Reno. This project concept would establish a two-way cycle track on the south side of 3rd Street from Vine Street to Lake Street with some facilities on Plaza Street and Virginia Street to make the final connection.
This concept includes a center median refuge on Virginia Street which would eliminate the existing left turn lane while improving safety for bicyclists, pedestrians, and the occasional tourist taking a picture of the Reno Arch. In order to address frequent stops along 3rd Street, the concept includes developing a sensor activated Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) system that would identify a bicyclist riding and proactively activate the RRFB as they approach. Other acceptable alternatives include options such as a half signal or a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB). These would be placed on the south side of 3rd Street intersections to better align with the cycle track and provide opportunities for reducing crosswalk distances and enhancing bicycle and pedestrian safety. A traffic study could be beneficial if significant crossing activity begins to impact traffic operations. This concept also includes using continuous sidewalks on cross-streets (Virginia Street, Sierra Street, etc.) to slow turning vehicles, enhance the pedestrian realm, and provide a physical cue to drivers of the change in context as they enter 3rd Street.
SUMMARY
Lake St. to Virginia St.
Shared-Use Path
Virginia St. to Vine St.
Sidewalk, Cycle Track, Planting, Mountable Curb
Vine St. to Keystone Ave.
Future Path Extension
Included Conceptual Intersection Enhancements
- Raised Crosswalks
- High Visibility Crosswalks
- Ped. Refuge Islands
- Relocated Lighting
- 3 RRFBs
- Curb Extensions at 7 Intersections
BENEFITS
- Improved east-west connectivity through downtown
- Enhanced pedestrian realm on major downtown cross-streets from continuous sidewalks
- Better integration with bike lanes at cross streets
- Greater visibility for pedestrians at intersections
- Photo opportunity on Virginia Street next to Locomotion Plaza with median and mid-block crossing
CONSIDERATIONS
VEHICLE CAPACITY:
None
PARKING:
Transition from angled parkling to parallel parking between Ralston and Arlington (estimated loss: 24 stalls)
Loss of parking between Virginia and University: loss of 2 stalls
OTHER:
Lane narrowing on Sierra St. Mid block crossing with refuge on Virginia St. Frequent stops traveling east/west for bicyclists and others due to numerous roadway crossings
SECTION 1 - Plaza Street
LOCATION: Virginia Street to University Way
Section 1 - Plaza Street (Existing)
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Section 1 - Plaza Street (Proposed)
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SECTION 2 - 3rd Street
LOCATION: Virginia St to Arlington Ave
Section 2 - 3rd Street (Existing)

Section 2 - 3rd Street (Proposed)

SECTION 3 - 3rd Street
LOCATION: Arlington Ave to Ralston St
Section 3 - 3rd Street (Existing)

Section 3 - 3rd Street (Proposed)

SECTION 4 - 3rd Street
LOCATION: Ralston St to Washington St
Section 4 - 3rd Street (Existing)

Section 4 - 3rd Street (Proposed)
