FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Josh MacEachern, Public Information Officer
jmaceachern@rtcwashoe.com | RTC Media Phone: 775-420-1727
RTC shares update on the Northeast Connector Study
RENO, Nev. (Sept. 2, 2026) – The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Washoe County is sharing updates on the Northeast Connector Feasibility Study, evaluating whether a new roadway between Spanish Springs and the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center (TRIC) is feasible and worth advancing to future project development.
The feasibility study examined whether a new connection could provide an alternate route between the Truckee Meadows and TRIC, improving travel reliability and reducing congestion on Interstate 80. Employment at TRIC grew 300% from 2015 to 2023, while traffic on I-80 increased 58%. About 85% of trips from the Truckee Meadows to TRIC originate north of I-80, contributing to recurring congestion and delays when incidents affect the corridor.
The updated materials identify two corridors for further consideration: the Vista Boulevard corridor and the La Posada corridor. The study does not identify a preferred corridor. A previously considered north-south connection between the two corridors was removed from further consideration following community feedback gathered through March 2026.
“This study gives us a better understanding of what is feasible for a potential future connection between Spanish Springs and TRIC,” said Bryan Byrne, RTC project manager. “We now have two feasible corridors that can be considered if there is a decision to move the project into the next phase.”
The updated report and FAQ are available on RTC’s Northeast Connector project webpage at rtcwashoe.com/projects/northeast-connector.
###
About RTC: The Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County, Nevada serves the citizens of Reno, Sparks and unincorporated areas of Washoe County. As the federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization for the region, the RTC provides leadership in planning and implements quality transportation systems to meet the community’s present and future transportation needs. For more information about RTC projects visit rtcwashoe.com and sign up for email updates using MyRTC or call (775) 348-0400. Follow RTC on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.
Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County
1105 Terminal Way | Reno, NV 89502
Building a Better Community Through Quality Transportation.
