Indian Springs’ speed limit, crosswalk need re-evaluation
Anyone who has driven the rural highways of Nevada knows there are several communities where you’re best off heeding the posted speed limit.
If you don’t, count on a ticket from the resulting speed trap.
Goldfield comes to mind.
The speed limit quickly slows from 70 mph posted (that’s actually 105 mph to most Nevada drivers) to 25 mph through town. If you’re not at or below 25, you’ll likely be pulled over by the Esmeralda County sheriff’s office.
You’ll see the same phenomenon in Beatty, Tonopah, Mina, Luning and Hawthorne if you’re heading north on U.S. Highway 95, and Alamo, Ash Springs, Caliente, Ely and McGill if you travel U.S. Highway 93.
Recent development in Indian Springs, the first wide spot in the road north of Las Vegas on U.S. 95, inspired a question from Warrior Reader Quentin.
“About a year ago, the casino, gas station as well as all other businesses in Indian Springs were closed on the east side of U.S. 95. Also, the main gate to Creech Air Force Base was permanently moved to south of town. However, there is still an active crosswalk on U.S. 95, yet, there is no reason to cross. Additionally, and more annoying, the speed limit is reduced to 35 mph for about a mile.
“In light of these changes in Indian Springs, is it really necessary to have a crosswalk and an extensive 35 mph speed zone? What would it take to have the Nevada Department of Transportation re-evaluate this stretch of highway?”
It isn’t often that half a town closes, but as Quentin points out, that’s essentially what has happened in Indian Springs.
On a trip to beautiful Beatty to see the new electric car charging stations at Eddie World, I stopped in Indian Springs to assess the scene.
Sure enough, everything on the east side of the highway is blocked with concrete barriers and fences to keep people from creeping into Creech.
But as sure as tumbleweeds cross the highway in front of your car, the flashing yellow lights of the pedestrian crossing sign urge motorists to watch out for people who aren’t there.
No gas station. No casino. No need to cross the highway. But there are the signs and lights.
If pedestrians crossed the highway, they’d have no place to go. They would run into the barricades or the fence.
Thanks to Quentin, the Transportation Department now knows it’s an annoyance to motorists.
“Thanks for bringing that to our attention,” department spokesman Tony Illia said. “We can look into conducting a study to better gauge current pedestrian and vehicle traffic flows if, indeed, the composition of Indian Springs has permanently changed with no new businesses expected to replace the shuttered ones anytime in the near feature.
“I’ll share your feedback with our engineering department and we’ll look into conducting a traffic study, which is the necessary first step to making speed limit and crosswalk changes,” he said.
Ending the bloodbath
Warrior Reader Andrew says something must be done to make Blue Diamond Road safer at two heavily trafficked intersections:
“The intersections at Blue Diamond Road and South El Capitan Way and Blue Diamond and South Fort Apache Road are bloodbaths. They both have had a constant share of deaths and accidents over the years.
“Our state senator in 2014 said both intersections were approved for traffic lights. Blue Diamond and El Capitan may be one of most dangerous intersections in the entire valley. At present, it has a dented light pole and dented stop sign and accidents occur often.
“I challenge you to drive north on El Capitan from Blue Diamond at the height of the rush hour. You must be aware of all three traffic lanes. A driver turning south on El Capitan blocks your vision of the two other drivers heading west on Blue Diamond. You put your life in jeopardy when you make your turn.
“The developer for a potential shopping center at that intersection said (the Nevada Transportation Deparmtner) has the funds available for a traffic light right now but does not act. How many more deaths and accidents do we need?”
Help is on the way, Andrew. From Illia:
“We couldn’t agree more,” Illia said. “That is why the department recently awarded a $2.37 million contract to Las Vegas Paving for the installation of four-way traffic signals at El Capitan Way and Fort Apache Road along Blue Diamond Road, which is state Route 159.
“The project includes crosswalk, sidewalk, paving and drainage improvements. Construction begins in April with anticipated completion this fall.”
Weigh in on transportation
How would you prioritize light rail against more bicycle lanes? Would you prefer higher vehicle speeds or fewer serious crashes? Faster trips or fewer miles?
The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada wants public advice on a variety of transportation topics and has established an online survey to capture your opinions.
A MetroQuest survey is available at rtcvision.metroquest.com. It only takes a few minutes to complete and will help determine Southern Nevada’s transportation priorities over the next 25 years.
Questions and comments should be sent to roadwarrior@reviewjournal.com. Please include your phone number. Follow the Road Warrior on Twitter @RJroadwarrior