RENO (AP) — Opponents of a major road bypass project linking southeast Reno to Sparks have lost their latest bid to block the Southeast Connector.
U.S. District Judge John Mendez in Sacramento refused to grant an injunction on Wednesday that would have halted construction of the second phase of the project, which already is underway.
The Upper South East Communities Coalition claims the six-lane, 4.5-mile roadway could increase flood danger to nearby neighborhoods, impact sensitive wetlands and cause mercury contamination.
Winter King, a lawyer for the group, says they'll consider appealing the denial of the preliminary injunction. He told the Reno Gazette-Journal they'll still have a chance to argue the merits of the case on a regular court schedule.
The next motions hearing is set for June 17.