01/10/2026
I attended the RTC Washoe County's public information meeting on the Northeast Connector project 3 weeks ago (Dec 17, 2025) at Red Hawk Golf Resort!
The feasibility study highlights a strong need for a new roadway linking east Sparks/Spanish Springs to the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center (TRIC) to ease heavy congestion and delays on I-80, especially with regional growth.
RTC presented several potential corridor alignments (including options via Vista Blvd and La Posada), estimating it could shift about 10% of traffic off I-80. Cost estimates are over $275M, but no funding is secured yet—this is still in the early planning phase.
Either of these plans will directly affect homeowners in The Highlands and Wingfield Springs areas as well as others.
One of the links (Vista) will pass directly adjacent to homeowners properties which very well could have a detrimental effect on values!
Some support it for better commutes and reliability, while a few people I spoke with raised concerns about large neighborhood impacts, pollution issues, and impacts to wildlife and tribal areas.
I spoke with an RTC representative who stated there were other alternatives. One was light rail between Sparks and U.S.A Parkway. Talks had been opened with Union Pacific regarding this.
It was also mentioned that D.O.T had approved lane widening on the I-80 corridor for the same stretch of highway. Both of these alternatives seem much less invasive to our neighborhoods. Your thoughts?
I encourage you to submit public comments which are open until Jan. 16th. I highly suggest you share your thoughts at rtcwashoe.com/projects/northeast-connector! You may also submit a formal letter to:
RTC of Washoe County 1105 Terminal Way, Reno, NV 89502
What do you think about this potential new connector? "