By now, you’ve heard all the jokes about the traffic cone becoming the new state symbol of Nevada — and Las Vegas seems to be carrying the brunt of traffic congestion. So let’s take a look at the traffic projects that are currently driving us crazy.
🏗️ The Big One: Dropicana
Work began more than three years ago on Dropicana, a massive project to add lanes to Tropicana Avenue and construct a larger bridge over Interstate 15. Why’s it taking so long? Well, the project is more than meets the eye, including a new road (Joey Bishop Drive underneath the bridge) and a half-interchange at Harmon Avenue, which in all seriousness, was a great idea. Dropicana also paused work for Formula One races and the Super Bowl. There’s light at the end of the tunnel, however. Most of the remaining work should be done before summer, while additional work on Tropicana west of the I-15 should wrap by fall.
🛣️ Other NDOT Projects on Interstate 15
Interstate 15 is widening to three lanes in both directions between Speedway and Garnet way up in the Northeast Valley. Work is more than 90% done and should be finished by spring.
I-15 will expand to eight lanes between Sloan and St. Rose Pkwy and 11 lanes between St. Rose and Blue Diamond with resurfaced bridges and pavement. Work is about half way done now. Give it ‘til the end of the year.
🚧 Clark County Road Work Projects
The widening project where 215 meets I-15 in the South Valley has been an Excedrin-sized headache lately, especially around Decatur. The good news — work should be over by May.
Pay attention if you live in the Southwest Valley or Summerlin. All lanes of the 215 Beltway will close in both directions between Tropicana and Flamingo this weekend, from 9 p.m. on Feb. 28 to 9 p.m. on March 1 for pivotal work on the new Peace Way Bridge, which should be ready to welcome cars by summer.
Work just began on improvements to the Summerlin Parkway interchange with the 215. Pack your patience when driving in the area. It’s a complete redesign with new ramps, lights, and pedestrian bridges. Expect it to take three years.
👷 RTC Projects
Work to improve Maryland Parkway between Russell and Downtown should be finished by the end of 2026. Expect upgraded sidewalks, shaded pedestrian areas, and comfortable room for both bike and bus lanes.
The RTC is also part of an extensive project to revamp Boulder Highway between Charleston and Wagon Wheel, making the route (which dates back to 1931) safer and more contemporary with wider tree-lined sidewalks, bus and bike lanes, new lights, and improved signage. The bad news? It could take five years.
- But really — can Henderson truly fix the problems with Boulder Highway? [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]
