The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) today breaks ground on a $33.8 million widening Interstate 15 between Craig Road and Speedway Boulevard in North Las Vegas. Las Vegas Paving is the general contractor.
The project's commencement was announced in the infield of Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
"We at Las Vegas Motor Speedway are excited to see this project begin and believe it will help enhance smooth traffic flow in and out of our facility on race days," LVMS President Chris Powell said. "Hundreds of thousands of people flock to LVMS for our NASCAR Weekend each March, and with 1,400 event days a year, the track is always a much sought-after destination. This project will help our visitors come and go with ease during their trips to LVMS, and so this is a welcomed addition."
The project will expand a 5-mile-long stretch of highway from four to six travel lanes in each direction, plus install new lighting, signage and landscaping that features weathered steel art sculptures. Other work calls for drainage improvements as well as widening and seismic upgrades to four overpass structures at Range Road and the Union Pacific Railroad tracks.
"The project will improve safety and mobility through the northern Interstate 15 corridor, greatly reducing travel times and congestion," said NDOT Director Rudy Malfabon. "It will also enhance traffic flows entering and exiting the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, which is especially crucial during NASCAR events and the Electric Daisy Carnival."
The section of interstate currently sees 41,600 vehicles daily; however, traffic is expected to increase 71 percent by 2033. The project will move 385,000 cubic yards of earth, which is enough dirt to fill 5,100 average sized swimming pools. Construction additionally entails placing 166,500 tons of asphalt or enough blacktop paving to cover 33,300 driveways. The 18-month-long project will see up to 100 workers onsite during the peak of activity.
Although construction will take place during daytime and nighttime hours, at least two lanes of traffic will remain open at all times in each direction during peak use hours. Work will start in October, with anticipated completion by early 2018.
Motorists should use caution while travelling through the work zone, heed construction signage, and take alternate routes, if possible. For current road information, go to www.nvroads.com.
FAST FACTS
Project distance: 5 miles; or the equivalent length of 88 football fields laid end-to-end.
Project length: 18 months; or enough time to play three professional baseball seasons.
Earthwork: 385,000 cubic yards: or enough dirt to fill 5,100 average sized swimming pools.
Paving: 166,500 tons of asphalt; or enough blacktop paving to cover 33,300 driveways.
Peak workforce: 100 craftsmen, including subcontractors and suppliers.
Traffic count: 41,600 vehicles daily; or enough cars to fill the Cashman Center parking lot nearly 16 times.
Las Vegas Motor Speedway: Hosts six major events annually, including NASCAR weekend, the NASCAR truck race, the NHRA Denso Nationals in the spring, the NHRA Toyota Nationals in the fall, the Red Bull Air Race and of course the Electric Daisy Carnival.
Speedway capacity: 116,000; or enough people to staff over 7,733 professional basketball teams.
Speedway economic impact: NASCAR weekend alone generates about $160 million, while the Electric Daisy Carnival contributes roughly $1.3 billion to our economy.
