By: Las Vegas Now Staff
Clark County Commission members gave the green light to open the Lake Mead interchange in the Summerlin area, even though it was not scheduled to open until 2010.
County Commissioners Chip Maxfield and Susan Brager asked to have an earlier opening considered after receiving numerous complaints that, although the interchange was essentially done, it was not open for public use.
The opening had originally been delayed because of concerns voiced by some residents that it would be unsafe to open it before the Far Hills and Cheyenne interchanges were completed.
“I think there were decisions made in years past to build other parts of the Beltway and there was probably some good reason for that. But now that it's been constructed, there's not a good reason not to open it to the public,” said County Commissioner Bruce Woodbury. He also added that surrounding neighborhoods, such as Sun City, need to be protected.
“I think sometimes our job is difficult but what were supposed to do is what's in the public interest. This would benefit the community and we spent significant public dollars and we need to finish the job,” said Commissioner Rory Reid.
The interchange could open within a few weeks.
