Las Vegas Sun

February 11, 2012

Currently: 69° | Complete forecast | Log in

Galleria Drive interchange set to open on I-515

Ceremony marks project’s completion; ramps to open for Wednesday commute

Image

Justin M. Bowen

The new Interstate 515 interchange is shown during a ceremony Tuesday morning marking completion of the project.

By

Published Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009 | 10:45 a.m.

Updated Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009 | 12:38 p.m.

Galleria Drive Interchange

Henderson Mayor Andy Hafen cuts the ribbon during the celebration of the opening of the Galleria Drive Interchange at I-515 Tuesday. Launch slideshow »

New interchange

Henderson leaders and transportation officials this morning marked the completion of the new Galleria Drive interchange at Interstate 515.

"Because it’s going to be easier to get to the destinations around the Galleria Mall interchange, people will make more trips," said Regional Transportation Commission General Manager Jacob Snow. "They will spend more money and it will be great for the economy."

Henderson Mayor Andy Hafen and Nevada Department of Transportation Deputy Director Scott Rawlins helped to cut a glittering gold ribbon with oversized scissors to mark the opening.

Carrying a banner that read "Galleria Drive Interchange Grand Opening: Live. Work. Play," the Green Valley High School drum line walked those in attendance across the overpass to a reception.

"It’s right in the heart of the southeast valley," said Henderson Councilwoman Kathleen Boutin.

Hafen said he thinks the interchange will help bring more customers to the Galleria Mall and ease traffic during the holiday season, making the area safer and more profitable for local businesses. About 47,000 vehicles are expected to use the interchange daily.

Scott Muelrath, general manager for the Galleria Mall, said he hopes the interchange will increase accessibility to his shopping center.

"I think there will be a measurable impact," he said, adding that the food court and other businesses near the north entrance to the mall will likely benefit the most.

In addition to creating better access to the mall, representatives from the nearby Central Community Church also were on hand to celebrate the opening.

The interchange has a price tag of $66 million and took about 18 months to complete. It’s located between the Sunset Road and Russell Road interchanges.

The ramps to the interchange will open in time for Wednesday morning's commute.

Discussion: comments so far…

Comments are moderated by Las Vegas Sun editors. Our goal is not to limit the discussion, but rather to elevate it. Comments should be relevant and contain no abusive language. Comments that are off-topic, vulgar, profane or include personal attacks will be removed. Full comments policy. Additionally, we now display comments from trusted commenters by default. Those wishing to become a trusted commenter need to verify their identity or sign in with Facebook Connect to tie their Facebook account to their Las Vegas Sun account. For more on this change, read our story about how it works and why we did it.

Only trusted comments are displayed on this page. Untrusted comments have expired from this story.

No trusted comments have been posted.

Post a comment

Commenting requires registration.

Comments are moderated by Las Vegas Sun editors. Our goal is not to limit the discussion, but rather to elevate it. Comments should be relevant and contain no abusive language. Comments that are off-topic, vulgar, profane or include personal attacks will be removed. Full comments policy.

If you would like to submit your comment as a letter to the editor, you may submit it here.

Most Popular

  • Viewed
  • Discussed
  • E-mailed
  • Facebook