About the Project

The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) has been making investments in improvements to I-15 over the past three decades. The section of I-15 between Flamingo Road and Sahara Avenue is the last section to be upgraded adjacent to the Las Vegas Strip. A Planning and Environmental Linkages study was recently completed, which was used to identify and screen alternatives within the study area to advance the most feasible alternative(s) into a future National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) study.

This project is investigating needed improvements for this important section of I-15, passing through the Resort Corridor, to align capacity needs with recently completed projects such as Project NEON and the I-15 South Design Build. The existing I-15 corridor from Flamingo Road to Sahara Avenue can only accommodate five through lanes in each direction, while future traffic demands are expected to further breakdown I-15 traffic operations within this segment.

NDOT is working to address these deficiencies by evaluating possible improvements and modifications to I-15 in this 4.5-mile segment. This evaluation has consisted of a Feasibility Study which identified design alternatives that would optimize the operational efficiency and traffic capacity of I-15, as well as its adjacent interchanges with Sahara Avenue, Spring Mountain Road and Flamingo Road.

Project Need

The purpose of the proposed project is to:

• Resolve existing roadway deficiencies
• Provide transportation improvements to serve existing and future growth areas
• Accommodate regional and local plans

 Project Benefits

Benefits of improvements to I-15 in the project area include:

• Matching this segment of I-15 with upstream and downstream segments north of Sahara Avenue and south of Flamingo Road
• Identification of right-of-way needs to provide the required capacity to meet future demand
• Improved safety for pedestrians and automobiles

 Frequently Asked Questions

What is a feasibility study?

The feasibility study compared the practicality of roadway improvements that are known to improve roadway operations (i.e. add lanes, reconfigure interchanges, optimize operations). The feasibility study objectively evaluated improvements to determine their effectiveness, the impacts of resources and costs, and identified alternatives to begin the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process.

What are the proposed improvements?
Four potential alternatives were evaluated in the feasibility study and were presented at the virtual public meeting. 

When will the study be completed?
The feasibility study was completed in August 2021 and the Planning and Environmental Linkages checklist was approved in September 2021.

Virtual Public Meeting 

The Nevada Department of Transportation held a virtual public information meeting from May 25 to June 23, 2021 on the I-15 Flamingo to Sahara Feasibility Study. During this time, the public could access project details, materials, and proposed alternatives aimed at increasing capacity, improving efficiency, and enhancing safety while accommodating future growth. The public was invited to submit comments and ask questions through the virtual site during the comment period, May 25 - June 23, 2021. 

Next Steps

NDOT is preparing to advance the project to the next phase – evaluation of the project as required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). NDOT anticipates the NEPA phase will begin in mid to late 2022. A recommended Build Alternative will be identified and approved at the conclusion of the NEPA phase.

Contact

We'd love to hear from you! If you have any comments or feedback on this study, please email project manager Christine Chia.

Project Contact

Christine Chia
Project Manager
CChia@dot.nv.gov

Resources

• Planning and Environmental Linkages Checklist
• Feasibility Study
  • Appendix A
  • Appendix B
  • Appendix C
  • Appendix D
  • Appendix E
  • Appendix F
  • Appendix G
  • Appendix H