California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak announced Sunday that their states would join in a temporary expansion of Interstate 15 to ease traffic congestion.
The five-mile stretch of highway between the state line and Barstow is a federally recognized economic lifeline corridor because of its role in the supply chain and for connecting the economic tourism hubs of Southern California and Las Vegas.
“This five-mile stretch of highway is a critical piece of infrastructure for not only our two states but for the whole country. However, the hours of traffic deters tourism and goods movement,” Newsom said. “While this is just a temporary solution, the expansion is crucial for continued economic health and resilience in the region and beyond. I thank Governor Sisolak for his continued focus and partnership on this and other shared priorities for Californians and Nevadans.”
During peak travel times – primarily Sundays and Mondays – Caltrans will use the road’s shoulder as a part-time lane between the Nevada border and the California Department of Food and Agriculture Agricultural Station. The expansion will address a design issue that has the Interstate go from three lanes to two lanes and back to three lines within the five-mile section.
Officials estimate the project will cost $12 million and will be completed with California State Highway Account resources. The project is expected to begin in Spring 2022 and be completed by the end of summer 2022.
“I appreciate Governor Newsom and California’s willingness to work together on this critical issue. Annually, more than 11 million Las Vegas visitors drive in and out of town on I-15, and this is a major step forward while we continue to collaborate and work toward more permanent solutions,” Sisolak said.