LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – The Henderson City Council tabled a vote on the Reimagine Boulder Highway project Tuesday, moving possible approval to their next meeting in two weeks. The major multi-million dollar project will completely transform one of the deadliest stretches of road in the state.
Boulder Highway was originally designed to be just that, a highway connecting Downtown Las Vegas to Boulder City. Community leaders say the road has outgrown its original design and has become dangerous, often pedestrians trying to cross many lanes at once get hit by vehicles leading to a number of deaths.
The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded the city of Henderson nearly $40 million to enhance safety for drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
Improvement plans for Boulder Highway include more street lighting, mid-block crossings, and transit stops running through the center. The new Boulder Highway would also include new sidewalks along both sides and buffered bike lanes.
Henderson Mayor Michelle Romero say these changes are being made in the name of safety.
“We have already calculated in future growth along Boulder Highway, so those calculations were figured into the design from the engineers…it will have separated areas for people to walk and ride bicycles…and dedicated lanes for the buses to travel,” Romero explained.
Under the new design, some of the current travel lanes will be eliminated to make space for sidewalks and bus lanes. Some residents have expressed concerns that could mean more traffic.
The estimated cost of the project: $174 million. Agreements with construction companies will be up for a vote in two weeks.
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