The Northbound traffic on U.S. 95 near Jones Boulevard will switch over to the newly built bridge on Wednesday (12/27) night.

This is a big step for the project.  It’s really amazing to watch these highways get built… and now drivers will be able to use the new portion.

The Southbound lanes will shift over on January 8th… so it will be a whole new commute! 

The U.S. 95 widening project will make the current six lane highway (three lanes in each direction), a 10 lane highway.

This expansion is needed in order to meet the mass of vehicles that use the 95.  More and more people are moving into the Northwest, as the valley continues to spread outward.

This project will not be complete until late 2007. 

I know… that seems like a long way off… especially because everywhere we turn… we run into construction.

Hang in there!   

For a list of closures related to the project, go to LasVegasNow.com and click on Traffic.

Posted by Dayna Roselli

My "What’s Driving You Crazy" segment is really taking off!

I have helped solve so many traffic issues already.  Our coverage and inquiries have helped give a little push and/or alert those responsible about traffic issues around town… everything from incorrect signs to roadways that need painted lanes.

I covered a few topics recently that were resolved within days:  the different exit signs and off ramp signs along the I-215 near the airport connector and I-15 interchange NOW MATCH… an incorrect sign on Lone Mountain near Allen was CHANGED to the correct symbol… LANE LINES were painted on Las Vegas Blvd. near Harmon… and now a faded "ONLY" sign on the road was REPAINTED at Lamb and Owens. 

Viewers write me emails every day with issues that drive them crazy.  I am trying to find answers as quickly as possible. 

I thought I would tell you about a couple of questions I covered recently… because I found out there are plans to change and improve some major intersections.  Mike from near Summerlin wrote in with concerns about the intersection of Charleston and Durango.  He thinks it’s dangerous.  He says the speed limit keeps changing on Durango…and the left turns are too quick from Charleston to Durango.

Here’s what I found out:

WORK HAS JUST STARTED ON THE DESIGN FOR A PROJECT TO ADD DUAL LEFT TURNS ALL AROUND… BUS TURNOUTS… AND EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TURN LANES.

THE CITY SAYS MAKING THESE CHANGES IS VERY DIFFICULT DUE TO UTILITY CONFLICTS AND THE LACK OF ANY RIGHT OF WAY TO MAKE THE IMPROVEMENTS.

THE CITY IS OPTIMISTIC THAT THIS PROJECT WILL GO OUT TO BID BY JULY.

AS FOR THE SPEED LIMITS… DURANGO IS 45 MILES PER HOUR FROM DESERT INN TO CHARLESTON BECAUSE IT’S A SIX LANE ROAD WITH NO HOMES FRONTING DURANGO.

IT GOES DOWN TO 35 MPH BECAUSE OF THE TIGHT CURVATURE OF THE ROAD.

Also, I have received a few complaints about the intersection of Owens and Lamb. 

Here’s what I found out:

A PROJECT WAS ADVERTISED RECENTLY THAT WILL MAKE THAT SECTION OF LAMB BLVD. INTO A SIX LANE ROADWAY (THREE LANES IN EACH DIRECTION). 

CLARK COUNTY ANTICIPATES OPENING BIDS ON OR ABOUT DECEMBER 21ST.  THEN THE PROJECT SHOULD START IN FEBRUARY 2007.  IT SHOULD TAKE APPROXIMATELY 120 DAYS TO COMPLETE PROJECT.  IT WILL INCLUDE RESTRIPING AND RESIGNING.   

ONCE COMPLETE, BOTH LAMB’S "RIGHT TURN ONLY" LANES (NORTHBOUND AND SOUTHBOUND) WILL DISAPPEAR AND BECOME THROUGH TRAVEL LANES.

PART OF THE REASON FOR THIS CHANGE IS THAT TRAFFIC FLOW PATTERNS HAVE CHANGED AND THE TRAFFIC CAPACITY OF THE INTERSECTION NEEDS TO BE ENHANCED.

Tell me WHAT’S DRIVING YOU CRAZY!? - the email address is Traffic8@klastv.com

Posted by Dayna Roselli

As a Traffic Reporter, I often get asked, "why?"

Why isn’t the constrution done yet?

Why are they doing construction while we have this big event in town?

Why are there cones out on the road but we don’t see anybody working?

Why are they digging up this road?

The list goes on.  It’s understandable that we all have questions and concerns about traffic and construction.  But, what I find interesting…. is that when it affects YOU and YOUR route… boy, do YOU take it personally! I feel your pain, I’m not saying you are alone, I feel the same way. It’s something we will all have to get used to and there’s really no way around it.

Here’s what I suggest.

If you know a project is starting that affects you… find out how long it will last.  Take note of the sign on site, call the company doing the work or call the county, city, or state.   Did you know you can find a lot of this information online? For example, here’s a list of 2006 Clark County Road projects. It has information on where and when the project will start and finish.  And here’s a list of construction closures from NDOT.

If you find out the project is going to be there for a while… plan an alternate route.  Don’t just say you will, really do it.  You will drive yourself crazy trying and hoping to get through the construction zone each day without any delays.  It will make you more frustrated than you already were.   Plan another route… add on a few minutes… and call it a day.  Just think… in the end, your old route will become even better once the project is complete.

You have to research your life sometimes.  The small inconvenience will save you the headache and the stress. 

Some of the other "why" questions… I’ll address at a later date.   I have to give you a reason to come back for more

Posted by Dayna Roselli