FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Josh MacEachern, Public Information Officer
jmaceachern@rtcwashoe.com | RTC Media Phone: 775-420-1727
First St./Arlington Ave. Intersection Closure
RTC Urges River Safety During Construction
Reno, Nevada (June 4, 2025) – The First St./Arlington Ave. intersection has been temporarily closed to all vehicle traffic and pedestrians through Friday, June 20 as crews advance the construction of the RTC’s Arlington Avenue Bridges Project. During the closure, drivers and pedestrians traveling on First St. will be detoured to Second St. via West St. or Ralston St.
The intersection closure will enable crews to divert water from the north channel of the Truckee River to the south channel, a critical step before beginning demolition of the north bridge. Once the water has been successfully diverted and the channel has had sufficient time to dry out, demolition of the north bridge is anticipated to begin in mid-June.
Critical River Safety Alert: Dangerous conditions anticipated near Barbara Bennett Park
When crews divert water to the south channel, the river water flowing on the south side of the Truckee River, near Barbara Bennett Park, is anticipated to be quicker than usual. The project team urges the community not to recreate in that area of the river until flows subside, as river conditions in that area are anticipated to be dangerous and pose serious risks to river users.
Please exit the river before reaching Wingfield Park as the park is currently closed. The recommended river exit points are at Idlewild Park or near the Keystone Bridge upstream of the closure. For those who may miss these primary exits, there is an emergency exit available at the tip of Wingfield Island, though this should only be used as a last resort. Detour maps are available at ArlingtonBridges.com.
About the Arlington Avenue Bridges Project
The project will deliver enhanced safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, and drivers through major roadway improvements and utility upgrades, while incorporating aesthetic enhancements that reflect community input. Key infrastructure changes include reducing the north bridge from two support piers to one and implementing a clear-span design with no piers for the south bridge. Environmental improvements will add 32 new trees to the project area, along with 295 new shrubs and plants to enhance the local landscape.
The project team is working to keep the community informed throughout construction. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about the project, please reach out to the project team using the information provided below.
- Project Website: ArlingtonBridges.com
- Project Email: info@ArlingtonBridges.com
- Project Hotline: (775) 235-2686
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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, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County
1105 Terminal Way | Reno, NV 89502
Building a Better Community Through Quality Transportation.
