Editorial: Easing traffic gridlock

Friday, Feb. 25, 2005 | 9:01 a.m.

A massive road construction project affecting the so-called "Spaghetti Bowl," where Interstate 15 meets U.S. 95 and creates traffic gridlock for tens of thousands of Las Vegans during rush hour, is thankfully moving forward. On Wednesday the Nevada Transportation Department held an informational meeting and took public comment on its $600 million plan, which would improve traffic flow and widen I-15 between the Spaghetti Bowl and Sahara Avenue. Construction on this important project for Las Vegas could begin in 2008, once the department obtains all necessary environmental approvals from the federal government. The Transportation Department should not only expedite this project, but also take steps to lessen, as much as possible, traffic delays caused by construction.

The project isn't costly in just dollar terms: As many as 900 people could be forced to move because homes, apartments and businesses would have to be leveled to make way for the improvements. A Transportation Department spokesman said that owners displaced would be able to sell their property at fair market value to the government, and that tenants of apartments and strip malls, both of which dominate the area, would be helped so that they can relocate to other areas with similar public services. This is a commitment that the Transportation Department can't waver from, and it should call on local government agencies and nonprofit groups for their input, if needed, so that the disruption in the lives of those displaced is as minimal as possible.

We know that the Transportation Department's project isn't a guarantee against gridlock, but this improvement truly is ambitious nonetheless. For those Las Vegans whose daily commute takes them through the Spaghetti Bowl, the project can't happen soon enough.