Las Vegas motorists should prepare for ‘Pave-A-Thon’ near Strip

Full directional closures of a 6-mile stretch of Interstate 15 are planned for consecutive weekends beginning later this month near the resort corridor for a “Pave-A-Thon” operation.

The marathon repaving work will occur on I-15 between Flamingo and Warm Springs roads with the northbound lanes being shut down between July 26 and July 29, and the southbound lanes being closed the following weekend, Aug. 2 and Aug. 5, the Nevada Department of Transportation announced Monday.

Northbound repaving operations along the stretch of I-15 will occur between 9 p.m. July 26 and 5 a.m. July 29. The portion of I-15 northbound between Russell and Flamingo roads will reopen by 5 a.m. July 28, with the stretch between Russell and Warm Springs planned to be reopened by 5 a.m. July 29, according to NDOT.

During the following weekend, southbound repaving operations along the stretch will occur between 9 p.m. Aug.2 and 9 p.m. Aug. 5. That closure includes I-15 southbound between Flamingo and Warm Springs for the entirety of the repaving.

Although not directly related to the ongoing I-15/Tropicana Interchange project, the interstate repaving was included in the project’s contract because of improvements needed along the stretch and the availability of equipment that is already present.

Multiple overheard signs and two active traffic management signs also will be added north of the Tropicana interchange as part of this work.

NDOT is working with area businesses within the resort corridor to minimize the impact the closures will have.

Steve Hill, president and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, said he doesn’t think the interstate closures will affect visitors.

“From a visitation standpoint it would be diminishing traffic from Southern California, but frankly people have shown a dedication to Las Vegas on I-15, that they’re willing to endure somethings in order to get here,” Hill said. “I’m sure NDOT is going to do a great job in managing the situation, so you’re looking at a 5- or 6-mile stretch that will be somewhat of a detour, depending on which weekend and which direction.”

Despite major traffic projects being temporary inconveniences, they are necessary aspects to keeping up with the growth of the Las Vegas Valley and the tourism that drives the economy in the area.

“It clearly needs to be done,” Hill said. “There’s a set of projects through there (I-15 corridor) that is going to make the experience from our customers quite a bit better. … If you never had to do them, that would be great, but everybody does and when we have to do those kinds of things, Vegas pulls that off as well as anybody out there.”

Contact Mick Akers at makers@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2920. Follow @mickakers on X.