Paving the way to the mall

This week readers want to know about the construction on U.S. Highway 95, between Russell and Sunset roads; whether there are any laws governing jogging or walking in the streets; and who handles road kill in the valley.

Pat Dowd asks: What is happening on U.S. 95 between Russell and Sunset? It appears they may be putting in a bridge or reworking the entrances and exits.

You're correct. The Nevada Department of Transportation is building a new interchange off of U.S. 95 to the Galleria Mall.

Sunset and the nearby highway have seen heavy traffic because of the mall, and transportation officials are hoping to alleviate the problem by putting in the interchange.

The $63.3 million project being constructed by Frehner Construction Company, Inc., is expected to be finished next summer.

Unfortunately, that means it won't be available for this year's holiday season.

Al Johnson asks: Are there any laws governing jogging/walking on city streets? I live in the Summerlin area which is blessed with many parks and paved trails, as well as extremely wide sidewalks. It seems to be the growing trend to jog in the streets -- sometimes pushing baby strollers, while less than 10 feet away are eight foot wide sidewalks. Considering the reputation of Las Vegas drivers, this seems like an extremely unsafe thing to be doing.

Nevada Revised Statute 484.331 states that it is unlawful for any pedestrian to walk along or on a roadway when a sidewalk is provided.

Now if there is no sidewalk, section 2 of the statute states pedestrians must walk in the direction facing approaching traffic.

Let's be clear, just because it's against the law doesn't mean we can go out and start running over joggers with our SUVs.

Clark County code 14.36.040 states, "every driver of a vehicle shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian upon any roadway and shall give warning by sounding the horn when necessary and shall exercise proper precaution upon observing any child or any confused or incapacitated person upon a roadway."

I understand Al's complaint, but I don't expect law enforcement to go around issuing citations to the valley's jogging and running enthusiasts.

In my experience, road runners are an accepted part of city living. When I ran -- many, many MoonPies ago -- I avoided sidewalks mainly because of people walking their dogs. You see, leashes can be very difficult to avoid, as are some pedestrians.

And though I wouldn't speak for all runners, many probably use the roadway to avoid such obstacles.

Still, joggers and runners who use the roadways do take risks. I would hope they take the proper precautions, including wearing light colored clothing or reflective patches.

Iris asks: Who handles road kill in the valley?

Most of the governmental entities in the valley charge the animal control departments with handling road kill. I just hope they wear gloves. (Get it... handle... road kill.... Nevermind).

Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, and Henderson all have animal control agents pick up the vehicle versus animal messes.

Las Vegas spokesman Jace Rake said if the animal is larger than a cat or a dog, the city's field operations department has been known to bring in some heavy equipment to help remove a dead animal.

Bobby Shelton, spokesman for the Clark County public works department, said the county contracts out road kill cleanup within the valley. Outside of the valley, the county public works department handles these jobs, Shelton said.

He added that the county doesn't pick up small road kill, such as mice or birds.

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