I-15/US-95 Demonstration Project

The I-15/US-95 Demonstration Project is an initiative by NDOT to examine the effectiveness, value and functionality of "managed High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes," also commonly referred to as "Express Lanes," as a solution to Las Vegas Valley's growing traffic congestion problem. The project also serves as a pilot to determine the potential use of public-private partnerships (PPPs) to help the state meet its transportation and infrastructure challenges. The Express Lanes would be established to take advantage of the capacity available in existing High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes within the I-15/US-95 corridor. The Express Lanes will run approximately 19 miles from the northwest Las Vegas Valley to the airport along I-15/US-95 (at Ann Road) to the southern Las Vegas Beltway (I-215). Convenient access ramps will be added and will extend over the Spaghetti Bowl interchange downtown.

Similar projects have proven very popular with commuters in Southern California, Seattle, Minneapolis, Denver and Dallas, and others are under construction or planned across the nation.

BENEFITS OF EXPRESS LANES

• Keeps Las Vegas moving and competitive
• Gives commuters a choice
• Provides prevailing wage jobs
• More efficient use of lane capacity
• Improves air quality, cuts greenhouse gases
• Fewer accidents, better access for emergency vehicles
• 3+ passenger carpools, emergency and transit vehicles use the lanes for free
• Promotes ridesharing and mass transit
• Improves access to downtown, the resort corridor and the airport
• Enhances economic vitality