The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) completed the state’s largest and most expensive public works project Thursday.
Project Neon cost $1 billion and took three years to complete. It enhanced approximately four miles of Interstate 15 between Sahara Avenue and the “Spaghetti Bowl” interchange in downtown Las Vegas.
Upgrades included 63 lane miles of new concrete and asphalt paving, improving 29 bridges, 10 miles of drainage, a new on-ramp at Pinto Lane onto Interstate 15 southbound, more than 20 miles of expanded High Occupancy Vehicle lanes, a reconfigured full diamond interchange at Charleston Boulevard with a new Interstate 15 northbound, and the extension of Western Avenue and Industrial Road.
“This critical investment ensures that we meet the state’s growing infrastructure needs while creating thousands of good-paying local jobs that stimulate Nevada’s economy,” Gov. Steve Sisolak said. “Project Neon greatly improves traffic congestion, motorist safety, and commuter delays, thereby improving the quality of life for all Nevadans while improving visitor experiences to our state.”
Improvements will reduce congestion while providing better access to downtown.
The stretch of Interstate 15 is the busiest in the state. Approximately 300,000 vehicles travel the route daily.
The stretch is forecasted to double in traffic volume over the next 20 years.