The governors of California and Nevada have put their heads together to address a problem that affects residents of both states, congestion on Interstate 15 at the state line.
Traffic on a five-mile stretch of freeway leading into Nevada, beginning in Barstow is often bumper to bumper for hours on end.
To address that problem California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is widening the highway onto the shoulder of the southbound route during peak travel times. This will create a third lane during those times. The $12 million project will be in place by next summer.
Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak and California Governor Gavin Newsom December 5 made the announcement. The project will be funded by the California State Highway Account.
Sisolak said in a statement, “I appreciate Governor Newsom and California’s willingness to work together on this critical issue.” He added, “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.”
Newsom added, “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.” He continued, “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.”
About 20 percent of the 42 million visitors to Las Vegas in 2019 came from Southern California.
Steve Hill, president and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, was quick to praise the traffic fix: “This initiative is an important first step that will begin to improve the experience of the 10 million visitors to Las Vegas who use this corridor. We know this will be exciting news celebrated by all who drive I-15 during peak travel times.”
