Bus sounds like freight train at 6 a.m., residents complain

This week we have a hodge-podge of questions that range from bus routes to unusual traffic lights. Just because we feel sorry for Doug and Lynette and we're excited to deliver them some good news, we'll kick off today with their question:

Why doesn't the Spring Mountain Road bus (Route 203) go straight up Spring Mountain Road instead of turning left on Durango Drive, then loop back by going down our residential side street, Bonita Vista Street. The bus sounds like a freight train at 6 a.m. I don't believe our little neighborhood had any say in this matter. Just inquiring if there are any zoning requirements with a chance for those affected to have a say.

We have some good news and some not-so-good news. The not-so-good news is that streets like Bonita Vista are public, so the Regional Transportation Commission is not obligated to hold hearings before rerouting buses. The agency, however, does want to hear of homeowners' concerns and will do its best to balance the needs of passengers with others affected by the route.

The better news is that this route will change Nov. 7, spokeswoman Tracy Bower said. The reason the current route makes the loop on Bonita Vista is to allow the buses to turn around and begin the Spring Mountain route heading eastbound, Bower said. Acknowledging the potential inconvenience to you and your neighbors, the agency did away with the turnaround during overnight hours. After Nov. 7, the Spring Mountain buses will turn north on Durango to turn around.

Harold is frustrated: They have been working on Boulder Highway from Desert Inn Road to Tropicana Avenue for a very long time. What is being done and when will it be finished?

Harold, this too is a Regional Transportation Commission project. This work, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2011, is being done to accommodate the agency's newest express bus route, which will run between downtown Las Vegas and Henderson and primarily serve Boulder Highway. The new Green Line will be a premium service similar to the Centennial Hills route and the Metropolitan Area Express that services Las Vegas Boulevard north of downtown.

Jim wants a bridge: What is the completion date for the Sunset Road bridge over Interstate 15? Progress seems painfully slow.

The Sunset Road span across I-15 is scheduled to be completed by the end of this year, Jim. It might seem as though it has been a long time, but this project is actually a priority for crews working on the entire I-15 design-build project. Once the Sunset Road bridge is finished, work can begin on the Warm Springs Road bridge. The plan there is to tear down the bridge and replace it with a new six-lane span that will be longer to move traffic across the widened Interstate 15. The idea is to improve east-west traffic flow across the interstate.

Morris wants some info: I live about two miles north of Ann Road in Centennial Hills and frequently drive Highway 95 between Craig and Ann roads. I'd like to know if you have further information on what is going on? What are they doing? Can you find our how long the job will take?

The Nevada Department of Transportation launched that project in August, and the work is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2012. The agency is widening Highway 95 between Washington Avenue and Ann Road to allow for three general purpose lanes and a fourth for high-occupancy vehicles. Auxiliary lanes will be added for onramps and offramps in each direction.

In addition to the highway work, crews are widening the Gowan Road bridge and improving the interchanges at Lake Mead Boulevard, Cheyenne Avenue Ann Road and Durango Drive.

Ray asks: Will you explain the new yellow flashing light here in Henderson?

For those of you unfamiliar with the light to which Ray is referring, it is a flashing yellow arrow that was installed last summer at the intersection of Pacific Avenue and Van Wagenen Street. The flashing yellow arrow replaces the steady green light that allows traffic to turn left by yielding to through traffic. City officials hope the flashing yellow light will serve as a more obvious reminder that traffic turning left must yield. When the flashing yellow arrow becomes solid, the light is about to turn red.

If you have a question, tip or tirade, call Adrienne Packer at (702) 387-2904, or send an e-mail to roadwarrior@reviewjournal.com. Include your phone number.