Sun Valley Boulevard to Undergo Major Improvements

Two-mile corridor to get new sidewalks, paths, and drainage upgrades

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:51pm

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An impressionistic, out-of-focus street scene with blurred figures of pedestrians and cyclists, conveying a sense of movement and community in a warm, soft color palette.The planned upgrades to Sun Valley Boulevard aim to create a more vibrant, accessible, and safe transit corridor for the local community.Reno Today

The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Reno, Nevada has announced plans for a major overhaul of Sun Valley Boulevard, a heavily trafficked corridor that has lacked sufficient pedestrian infrastructure. The $86 million project will add sidewalks, multi-use paths, and bike lanes, but first requires addressing drainage issues that have led to safety concerns in the area.

Why it matters

The Sun Valley neighborhood has long struggled with inadequate pedestrian access along the busy Sun Valley Boulevard, leading to tragic accidents. This project aims to improve safety and accessibility for all users of the corridor, from drivers to pedestrians and cyclists.

The details

The planned improvements will cover nearly two miles of Sun Valley Boulevard, from 7th Street to Scottsdale Road. Before any new pedestrian infrastructure can be installed, the RTC must first address five major watersheds west of the boulevard by moving the drainage system underground. This will allow for the addition of sidewalks, multi-use paths, and bike lanes to create a safer, more accessible corridor for the community.

  • The RTC is currently in the 60% design phase for the project.
  • The agency plans to break ground on construction in late 2027.

The players

Regional Transportation Commission (RTC)

The regional transportation planning agency for Reno, Nevada, overseeing the Sun Valley Boulevard improvement project.

Amanda Callegari

RTC Engineering Manager, overseeing the design and implementation of the Sun Valley Boulevard project.

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What they’re saying

“This community has been lacking significant pedestrian infrastructure for a long time. So we're excited to keep this project moving forward and bring these important improvements to this deserving community.”

— Amanda Callegari, RTC Engineering Manager

“There is no current, good pedestrian infrastructure out there. Unfortunately, there's been some very tragic incidents out there. And one of the main goals of this project is to prevent that going forward.”

— Amanda Callegari, RTC Engineering Manager

What’s next

The RTC will use public input as part of the final design process for the Sun Valley Boulevard improvements, with construction expected to begin in late 2027.

The takeaway

This major infrastructure project in Reno's Sun Valley neighborhood represents a significant investment in improving pedestrian safety and accessibility along a heavily trafficked corridor that has long lacked sufficient infrastructure for non-vehicular users.