Storey County moves to fast-track temporary signals after businesses cite dangerous delays at Tahoe Reno Industrial Center
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Summary
After repeated public complaints from TRIC businesses about severe commute delays and at least one fatal crash, commissioners authorized the county manager to negotiate a cost-share with NDOT for one or two temporary traffic signals on USA Parkway and approved staff to pursue interlocal agreements and private contributions.
Business owners at the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center pressed Storey County commissioners on Aug. 19 over worsening traffic that they say imperils employees and deliveries. "It took me 32 minutes to get from our shop ... to the freeway on ramp," Regina Anderson told the board during public comment, describing daily delays and a recent fatality that can add hours to commutes.
County Manager Austin Osborne said the county is engaged with the Nevada Department of Transportation and that NDOT "tentatively" expects to have two temporary traffic signals installed on USA Parkway in "a week and a half to 2 weeks," which he said should create gaps to facilitate safer left and right turns from the west side of the park. Osborne also said Sheriff’s Office patrols have been increased in the area and that the county is discussing longer-term fixes with regional partners.
Commissioner Mitchell moved to authorize the county manager to negotiate a 12–18 month interlocal agreement with NDOT for placement and maintenance of one or two temporary signals on USA Parkway and to pursue legal review and cost-sharing agreements with private companies in the industrial park. The motion passed unanimously. Osborne said any ratified contract will be placed on a future commission agenda for review.
Why it matters: The Tahoe Reno Industrial Center is a major employment and freight hub; commissioners and staff emphasized the effort is intended as a near-term mitigation while regional projects and permanent signal installations are planned. The county manager also noted potential per-signal operating costs can range widely depending on procurement method and NDOT involvement.
What’s next: The county will negotiate the interlocal agreement, pursue cost-sharing with private developers, and return a ratified contract for the board’s review, while temporary signals are expected to be installed within the short timeline provided by NDOT.
"They're pretty confident that this isn't the really only resolution ... but in the immediate term, it will alleviate the kind of disastrous situation," Osborne said.