Reno Train Trench Construction

Construction on the Union Pacific train trench in downtown Reno. This project, known as ReTRAC, took surface-level railroad tracks and put them underground to avoid automotive traffic. Temporary tracks were run down Commercial Row during construction. This elevated view shows the trench in the center, and the temporary tracks on the right.

Date Uploaded: May 11, 2026

Permanent Link: http://wnhpc.com/details/flickr33497284050

Contributor: By Air, Land and Sea on Flickr

Source: Flickr: By Air, Land and Sea

Source URL: https://www.flickr.com/photos/103688802@N02/33497284050/

Source Caption: Street on right paralleling the track is Commercial Row. Street at bottom of photo crossing the trench is North Virginia Street.

At this time, the Union Pacific Railroad was engaged in a project to put its mainline tracks in a trench through downtown Reno. The project, called ReTRAC, eliminated several grade crossings through the downtown area, and required a major re-working of the existing Amtrak (ex-Southern Pacific) station. The completed trench opened to rail traffic on November 18, 2005.

Download Photo: JPG (265 KB)