Sierra Street Bridge

Built in 1937, the Sierra Street Bridge has served the Reno community for nearly 90 years, well beyond the typical 75-year lifespan of a bridge. As the bridge has aged, maintenance and repairs are no longer enough to address its long-term needs. In 2022, the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) rated the bridge in “poor” condition. While this does not mean the bridge is unsafe or at risk of immediate failure, it does mean the bridge is nearing the end of its useful life and requires more frequent inspections and maintenance. NDOT now inspects the bridge every 12 months instead of the typical 24-month cycle to closely monitor its condition.

The bridge also faces challenges during high-water events. Its foundations are shallower than what would be required under today’s design standards, making the bridge vulnerable to “scour,” which is the erosion of soil around bridge foundations caused by fast-moving water. NDOT inspections have identified soil loss in the river channel and recommended improvements to better protect the bridge piers. The existing piers can also collect debris during storms, which can restrict river flows and contribute to flooding and road closures, as occurred in 1997, 2005, and 2017.

To provide a safer, more reliable connection for the future, the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Washoe County, in partnership with the City of Reno, NDOT, and the Federal Highway Administration, is moving forward with plans to replace the Sierra Street Bridge. The project includes environmental review in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), followed by final design and permitting. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2027.