Driving to School? Watch for Construction in the Las Vegas Valley

Back-to-School Season Brings Traffic Challenges in Las Vegas Valley

As the back-to-school season approaches, students across the Las Vegas Valley are preparing to reunite with friends and teachers. However, for drivers, this time of year also means encountering a familiar obstacle: traffic cones. With numerous road construction projects underway, commuters can expect delays and changes to their usual routes.

The City of Las Vegas has several projects that may affect traffic near schools. One such project involves traffic safety improvements near Arbor View High School. These enhancements aim to improve safety in the area following a tragic incident involving a student.

In North Las Vegas, multiple development projects are set to impact nearby schools. For example, work on Deer Springs and North 5th streets includes gas stations, restaurants, and residential developments. Schools like Legacy High School and Don Hayden Elementary could see disruptions. Other areas, such as Commerce and Rome, will see commercial development, potentially affecting commutes to nearby schools.

Storm drain installations on Tropical and Walnut streets may impact John Tartan Elementary School and DL Dickens Elementary. Additionally, full utility and road improvements on Lake Mead Boulevard between Losee and Simmons could affect multiple schools and recreation centers. Residential developments on North 5th and Washburn streets might also cause issues for Mojave High School.

Fire Station 51 construction is another project that could impact nearby schools, including Fay Herron Elementary, Ed Von Toble Middle School, and Jay Jeffers Elementary. Other developments, such as those on Commerce and Craft or Washburn and Conway streets, may also affect school commutes.

In Henderson, ongoing projects include the I-215 expansion, which is already causing traffic disruptions. A $145 million widening project is set to begin, with additional improvements planned along Pueblo Trail. These enhancements will involve landscaping, irrigation, trail amenities, and lighting. Commuters should expect shoulder closures and lane restrictions near Basic High School, as well as pedestrian detours on the Pueblo Trail.

Van Wagenen Street improvements will also start in late August, with lane restrictions expected near Burkholder Middle School. These changes will require drivers to be cautious and plan their routes accordingly.

The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) has also announced a 215 Pavement Preservation project that could slightly impact drivers using I-215 to reach schools around Warm Springs Road. Parents traveling along southbound I-15 between Sloan Road and Warm Springs may experience minor delays due to an auxiliary lane closure.

The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) is working on the Maryland Parkway Bus Rapid Transit project, which runs from the South Strip Transit Terminal to the Las Vegas Medical District. Major construction steps are scheduled for the week of August 10, with lane changes to accommodate heavy equipment. During the East Half Demolition period, all traffic will be directed to the west side of Maryland Parkway, with one lane open in each direction. The same pattern will repeat during the West Half Demolition phase.

The RTC encourages drivers to check SeeingOrangeNV.com for real-time updates on major construction zones and long-term roadway projects. This resource provides traffic alerts, transit detour information, and details about special events that may affect travel. Commuters can also call 702-928-CONE for assistance.

With so many projects underway, drivers in the Las Vegas Valley should remain vigilant and plan their commutes carefully. By staying informed and adjusting their routes, residents can navigate the challenges of the back-to-school season more smoothly.