LAS VEGAS (KLAS)– Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak and California Governor Gavin Newsom met Sunday and announced they have a short-term plan to expand Interstate 15 (I-15). The plan spans a five-mile stretch between the California-Nevada state line and Barstow to ease traffic congestion during peak hours.
“This five-mile stretch of highway is a critical piece of infrastructure for not only our two states but for the whole country. However, the hours of traffic deters tourism and goods movement,” said Governor Newsom. “While this is just a temporary solution, the expansion is crucial for continued economic health and resilience in the region and beyond.”
Average travel times on Sundays and Mondays in the southbound direction can range from three to five hours to travel the 113 miles between the state line and Barstow.
“Annually, more than 11 million Las Vegas visitors drive in and out of town on I-15 and this is a major step forward while we continue to collaborate and work toward more permanent solutions,” said Governor Sisolak.
This widening will address a current design constraint of the Interstate going from three lanes to two lanes then back to three lanes within the five-mile section.
The project is estimated to cost $12 million. Newsom said this should provide some relief by spring 2022 and will be completed by the end of summer 2022.