A significant traffic improvement is approaching completion on Interstate 15 near the resort corridor, as a substantial $382 million reconstruction project nears its end. This project, which has spanned three years, will restore full capacity to the I-15 stretch between Hacienda and Harmon avenues by the end of this week, specifically by Friday. The road has been reduced to four lanes in each direction for over a year, frequently causing congestion during peak traffic times.
The final stages of the I-15/Tropicana interchange project involve installing vehicle detection loops on freeway ramps. These loops, in conjunction with ramp meters, aim to manage merging traffic more effectively, reducing congestion. Other technological improvements being implemented include Active Traffic Management signs, upgraded signals, and a wrong-way driver alert system, all aimed at enhancing safety and efficiency.
To facilitate these final steps, several overnight directional closures of I-15 are scheduled. The southbound lanes will be fully restored to five lanes by Thursday morning, with northbound lanes following suit by Friday morning. Specific ramp and freeway closures are planned for each night leading up to this restoration.
On Tuesday night, closures will affect the I-15 southbound off-ramp to Tropicana westbound and the southbound flyover to Tropicana eastbound. Wednesday night will see closures between Flamingo and Russell roads, impacting several ramps in that area. Thursday night will involve northbound closures between the 215 Beltway and Flamingo, affecting several on-ramps and off-ramps.
By Friday morning, all lanes on I-15 will be fully open, providing five lanes of travel in each direction. High-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes will remain temporarily accessible to all drivers until paving and final striping are completed later in the summer.
Aside from the lane restoration, work continues on widening Tropicana west of the I-15 interchange, expected to conclude in the fall. The broader project involved significant changes, including the demolition and reconstruction of the Tropicana bridge, the addition of the Harmon HOV half-interchange, and the reconfiguration of Dean Martin Drive. These changes, including the addition of Joey Bishop Drive, have reshaped key intersections and routes in the area.