Letter: Highway growth good for future of Las Vegas

Tuesday, May 2, 2000 | 9:54 a.m.

I am a full-time student at UNLV commuting from the northwest part of the city. I also work part time in the downtown area. My school attendance and my work place me on Summerlin Parkway, U.S. 95 and Interstate 15 six days a week, sometimes making more than one trip during the day.

Rarely do I move up and down U.S. 95 without seeing at least one accident, usually involving multiple cars. Now I am beginning to see heavy congestion and accidents on Summerlin Parkway.

I enjoy living in Southern Nevada and, like so many others, I moved here from another area more than 10 years ago. I am pleased with the growth of our city, and the quality of life we enjoy.

I think it is a compliment to our city that, like me, many others are moving here to enjoy our great lifestyle. And, like others, I am concerned about taking care of our needs as we continue to develop our city.

Because of the amount of time I spend on our crowded freeways, I am concerned about the growing need to continually improve our transportation system. I am concerned about our safety. I have heard comments about the need for the new beltway and that it will not be used.

I remember when Summerlin Parkway was first built and referred to as the freeway that went nowhere. Look at it today. I believe that construction of the new beltway shows foresight in striving to solve our transportation needs. I believe the efforts to improve our mass transportation system also show good planning. And while some people may be inconvenienced with the expansion of U.S. 95, I believe it is necessary for the good of our community.

I applaud the effort of our community leaders in looking to the future of our community and ensuring we are maintaining an environment that will continue to be a place we can be proud of and a place where families want to move.

ASHLEY GRAHAM PARIS