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 temporary tracks in the center, and the trench on the right. On the left are Fitzgeralds and the Golden Phoenix, and the Sands Casino is in the distance.

Date Uploaded: May 11, 2026

Permanent Link: http://wnhpc.com/details/flickr33752761931

Contributor: By Air, Land and Sea on Flickr

Source: Flickr: By Air, Land and Sea

Source URL: https://www.flickr.com/photos/103688802@N02/33752761931/

Source Caption: Street on left paralleling the track is Commercial Row. Street closest to bottom of photo crossing the trench and track is North Sierra 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.

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