Monday, Feb. 9, 2015 | 4:01 p.m.
CARSON CITY — Gov. Brian Sandoval said he was “sick to my stomach” when he learned the state Department of Transportation did not do anything for 15 years to correct a dangerous intersection in Reno where several pedestrians have been killed.
His comments came as the state Transportation Board approved spending $10 million on pedestrian safety projects. More than $7 million will go to Clark County.
There were ten pedestrian killed statewide in January.
The board discussed the traffic problems on North Virginia Street in Reno, where the Bonanza casino is located. Club owner Ryan Sheltra told the board there have been five traffic deaths in the area over the years.
Sandoval, chairman of the board, said, “I can’t understand why the department did not take action. Something is going to be done immediately.”
Included in the $10 million is $1 million for traffic signals at the intersection.
Sandoval said he learned about the dangerous crossing from a newspaper story.
In Clark County, $4.5 million is allocated for pedestrian improvements on Lake Mead Boulevard from Civic Center Drive to Pecos Road; $1.7 million for a pedestrian shelter and flashing lights on Charleston Boulevard from Hillside Place to Burnham Avenue; $1.4 million on Blue Diamond Road for traffic signals from El Capitan Way to Fort Apache Road; and $300,000 for flashing red lights and other improvements on Boulder Highway at Sun Valley Drive.
Sheltra said he continually tried to get the department to handle the safety problems and showed the board video of pedestrians getting hit by vehicles at the intersection.
Department Director Rudy Malfabon said the correspondence went to a prior director.
Sheltra praised Malfabon for visiting the site and quickly recommending the $1 million project.
Join the Discussion:
Check this out for a full explanation of our conversion to the LiveFyre commenting system and instructions on how to sign up for an account.
Full comments policy