Downtown Reno Street Work Disrupts Commutes

Expect lane closures, detours, and gravel surfaces as crews rebuild pavement and sidewalks

Apr. 16, 2026 at 6:42am

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A bold, abstract silkscreen print composed of repeating traffic cones in vibrant neon orange, yellow, and red colors with heavy black outlines, conceptually representing the construction zones and disrupted traffic flow in downtown Reno.The bright orange cones and barricades of downtown Reno's street reconstruction project signal the disruption to normal traffic patterns and commutes.Reno Today

Significant construction work on Seventh, Sixth, and West streets in downtown Reno will cause major disruptions to commutes and traffic patterns through mid-May. Drivers, bus riders, and visitors to St. Mary's Regional Medical Center will need to plan alternate routes and watch for changing conditions in active work zones.

Why it matters

The street work is part of an ongoing effort by the Regional Transportation Commission to rebuild infrastructure in downtown Reno. While necessary, the project will impact daily routines and access for many residents and workers in the area, highlighting the challenges of urban development and the need for clear communication about construction impacts.

The details

RTC crews will be rebuilding pavement and sidewalks on several key downtown streets, resulting in lane closures, one-way traffic, detours, and the presence of gravel surfaces in active work zones. This will affect drivers, bus riders, and even visitors to the nearby St. Mary's Regional Medical Center, who will need to plan ahead and watch for changing traffic patterns.

  • The street work is expected to continue through mid-May 2026.
  • Construction is currently underway and will intensify in the coming weeks.

The players

Regional Transportation Commission (RTC)

The regional transportation planning agency overseeing the downtown Reno street reconstruction project.

St. Mary's Regional Medical Center

A major healthcare facility located near the construction zones that will be impacted by the street work.

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What’s next

Drivers, bus riders, and hospital visitors should plan ahead, watch for changing traffic patterns, and use alternate routes to avoid delays and disruptions caused by the downtown Reno street construction.

The takeaway

The downtown Reno street work highlights the ongoing challenges of urban infrastructure maintenance and development, as necessary improvements can significantly impact daily commutes and access for residents, workers, and visitors. Clear communication and planning will be crucial for minimizing disruptions during this project.