By CJ Jorgensen for NEVBEX
The $120M Henderson 215 Project bids are due Dec. 11, 2024.
Upon completion, the project will widen I-215 from Pecos Road to Stephanie Street, improve interchanges/ramps, construct a pedestrian bridge over Green Valley Parkway at Village Walk Drive, and create a Diverging Diamond Interchange at Green Valley Parkway.
The I-215 connects Henderson to the rest of the Las Vegas valley. The project’s intention is to reduce travel delays, while improving regional connectivity and safety.
The intersection at Green Valley Parkway and Village Walk Drive is one of the most heavily congested portions of the road. The intersection is close to the I-215 interchange, which creates a lot of vehicular traffic. Furthermore, the intersection is frequently used by pedestrians, which slows traffic flow.
The pedestrian bridge will separate foot and vehicular traffic. The separation will simultaneously ease traffic and provide safer conditions for motorists and pedestrians. The bridge will also provide connectivity to the I-215 Beltway Trail, a 9.7-mile walking and biking trail.
The widening portion of the project will add two additional lanes in each direction from Pecos Road to Stephanie Street. The I-215 will have up to six lanes depending on the location.
The DDI will allow a smooth transition from Green Valley Parkway to I-215, according to the Nevada Department of Transportation, “At a diverging diamond interchange, traffic briefly crosses over to the left (opposite) side of the roadway, safely guided by traffic signals at each crossover. This allows vehicles to turn left onto freeway on-ramps without stopping and without conflicting with through traffic.”
DDIs reduce potential conflict points for drivers, which improves safety. DDIs also improve left-turn efficiency—causing a reduction in congestion and delay—and eliminate dedicated left-turn lanes and offer more space, while simultaneously generally having lower construction costs.
Currently, the project has finalized its design and is currently out for general contractor bidding. The bid opening is scheduled for Dec. 11, with a contractor to be selected shortly after.
According to City staff, the design consultant is Jacobs.
Construction is anticipated to begin Q1 of 2025 and last approximately 24 months, ending in 2027. Funding is provided by Clark County, while the City of Henderson is directing the construction.
Nevada Population Boom May Create Need for More Transportation Projects
The widening project stems from Clark County’s rapid population growth over the last decade. The County’s population increased by more than 300,000 residents (approximately 20%), while Henderson saw a growth of 60,000 people (approximately 25%).
Without roadway expansions and transportation improvements, Clark County will experience more traffic congestion and an increase in travel times.
Nevada is currently the fifth-fastest growing state in the country, according to World Population Review. From 2010-2023, the Silver State’s population increased by 19.45%, with Clark County being the fastest growing county in the state.
The article has been updated to reflect the revised due date of the solicitation.
