Lane closures are set to begin on Las Vegas Boulevard south of the resort corridor as Brightline West continues infrastructure improvements for its planned Las Vegas high-speed rail station. The project started last week with the removal of the center median between Robindale Road and Eldorado Lane to make way for upcoming lane shifts.
Starting Monday, Las Vegas Boulevard between Robindale and Warm Springs roads will be reduced from three to two southbound lanes for three weeks. This reduction is to facilitate construction of a box culvert and sewer line improvements near the future Brightline station. All northbound lanes will remain open, but 24-hour lane shifts will be in effect along the affected stretch. The work includes installing a new storm drain connection and realigning an existing sewer line under Las Vegas Boulevard.
Brightline states these upgrades are essential for supporting the future station and related infrastructure. Minor traffic delays are expected during the construction period.
Brightline West began grading the station site in July to prepare for the box culvert and sewer work. Geotechnical work has also been underway for over a year along Interstate 15 in both Nevada and California, where the high-speed rail line will run in the freeway median and on the shoulder.
The planned 218-mile Brightline West rail line will connect Las Vegas to Rancho Cucamonga, California, with additional stations in other California cities. Passengers will be able to reach downtown Los Angeles by transferring to Metrolink at Rancho Cucamonga.
The project’s estimated cost has risen to $21.05 billion, a $9 billion increase from previous estimates. Brightline recently applied for a $6 billion federal loan, has already secured a $3 billion federal grant, and sold $2.5 billion in private activity bonds from Nevada and California.
Construction of the Brightline West rail line is expected to begin early next year, with completion projected for 2029.