Editorial: Valley’s traffic is a problem

Wednesday, Nov. 17, 1999 | 10:04 a.m.

The Texas Transportation Institute on Tuesday released its annual report that charts traffic congestion across the nation. A co-author of the report, Tim Lomax, told the Associated Press that metropolitan areas with healthy economies also experience more traffic snarls. "In a booming economy, the transportation system is always going to be a lagging factor," Lomax said. Las Vegans, who have seen their economy skyrocket, know all too well how this theory has turned into a reality -- some might even say nightmare -- here in the valley.

The report tracks traffic congestion in 68 urban areas, including Las Vegas, from 1982 to 1997. To put this issue into perspective locally, in 1987 each Las Vegan was stuck in traffic an average of 13 hours a year. One decade later, this annual average had ballooned to 34 hours a year. While the average amount of time spent in traffic congestion actually dipped slightly in 1997 from 1996's average of 37 hours, anyone who travels the valley's roadways -- especially in the sprawling northwest -- will tell you that within the past year the freeways and local streets seem more clogged with each passing day.

Last week Clark County Commissioner Lance Malone voiced his frustration at what he believed was the snail's pace in expanding the number of lanes along U.S. 95 in the northwest corridor. Even Gov. Kenny Guinn echoed Malone's exasperation. Last week, during a state Transportation Board meeting, Guinn said he could understand why motorists feel "road rage" when stuck on U.S. 95. Sometimes even minor fender benders can back up traffic for miles because there aren't enough lanes to accommodate all the new residents. "This is a dynamite problem for the northwest and it's growing bigger every day," Guinn said.

State Transportation Director Tom Stephens told Guinn that the principal reason for the delay is that the state is still waiting to hear from the federal government regarding the required environmental impact statements. Once the federal government gives its approvals, the state can then start the design of the freeway expansion. Stephens said accelerating the design process is possible, but would cost more money. Guinn responded that he approved of speeding up the process even in light of more funding. The governor is right. The traffic snarl in the northwest is intolerable and deserves to be given the top priority by the state.

Traffic tie-ups can be exceptionally irritating, sometimes meaning that motorists get to spend less time with their families because the rush hour commute home can be excruciatingly slow. And as the Texas Transportation Institute study noted, congestion can also hinder an economy, as stop-and-go traffic increases fuel consumption, can result in employees getting to work late and reduces the productivity of companies relying on freight-moving vehicles. For the sake of commuters and businesses, the state and local governments should redouble their efforts -- and coordination -- to reduce the traffic congestion that too often ensnarls the valley.