Keeping Our Community Moving Safely and Smoothly

Since the mid-2000s, the Regional Road Reconstruction Program has been a cornerstone of RTC’s pavement management strategy. Working in partnership with the Public Works Departments of Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County, the program has successfully addressed the majority of Regional Roads that once required full reconstruction. As a result, only a relatively small share of the regional network now necessitates this type of intensive pavement work.

This achievement reflects the effectiveness of RTC’s long-term, preservation-first approach. Today, most Regional Roads are in a mature preventive maintenance cycle—receiving timely treatments such as crack filling and micro-surfacing that extend their service life and sustain higher Pavement Condition Index (PCI) scores at a fraction of the cost of reconstruction.

Regional Roads remain the backbone of the transportation system, connecting communities and carrying most of the daily traffic in the Truckee Meadows. By focusing reconstruction only where it is still necessary, RTC ensures that limited funds are directed where they will have the greatest impact, while the majority of the network continues to be preserved through cost-effective maintenance.

Using Pavement Management to Guide Decisions

The key to a successful reconstruction program is applying the right treatment, to the right pavement, at the right time. RTC accomplishes this with its Pavement Management System (PMS).

• Pavements are inspected regularly to assess condition.
• Each roadway segment is assigned a Pavement Condition Index (PCI) score on a scale of 0 (failed) to 100 (excellent).
• PCI data, combined with traffic volumes and coordination needs, is used to determine which streets require reconstruction.

This data-driven approach ensures that roads serving the greatest number of users and in the worst condition are prioritized. Proper timing is critical—rebuilding pavement too early wastes resources, while waiting too long can cause costs to escalate by four to five times.

How Streets Are Selected

Following collection of updated PCI data on the three-year cycle, RTC and its local partners identify a preliminary list of Regional Roads with PCI ratings in the poor range. The selection process includes:

• Compiling a list of candidate streets with low PCI scores (typically below 55).
• Prioritizing segments with higher traffic volumes to maximize public benefit.
• Coordinating with local jurisdictions and utility companies to avoid cuts into newly rebuilt roads.
• Reviewing funding availability, typically allowing 2 – 4 segments to advance each year.

Streets that do not make the final program remain on the candidate list for future years. Based on current funding levels, it may take several years to address all Regional Roads in poor condition. In the meantime, Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County provide interim maintenance to keep these streets safe and serviceable.

The Reconstruction Process

A typical RTC reconstruction project involves removing the worn pavement surface, strengthening or treating the underlying roadbed as needed, and placing a new asphalt roadway section designed to last decades with proper preventive maintenance.

Typical schedule:

• Fall/Winter: Detailed design begins, and residents/businesses are notified.
• Late Spring: Two weeks before construction, contractors provide updated notices with project details.
• Construction Season (May–October): Roads are rebuilt in phases to maintain traffic access. At least one lane in each direction is typically kept open; however, short closures and detours may be necessary.

This phased and well-communicated process minimizes disruption while delivering long-lasting improvements.

Why It Matters

Reconstruction is the most costly but also the most transformative roadway treatment. It resets the pavement to a “like-new” condition, starting a new lifecycle that can then be maintained with lower-cost preventive treatments such as crack filling and micro-surfacing. By strategically timing reconstruction projects, RTC ensures that funding is used efficiently and that our regional roadway network remains safe, accessible, and resilient.

More Information

For details about the Regional Road Pavement Reconstruction Program, visit www.rtcwashoe.com or call the RTC Engineering Department at (775) 348-0171.

For information on neighborhood street repairs, please contact:

• City of Reno – Reno DIRECT: (775) 334-INFO
• City of Sparks Public Works – (775) 353-2481
• Washoe County Public Works – (775) 328-2040