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The two new U.S. Highway 95 ramps, which will provide Martin L. King Boulevard access, are scheduled to open on Wednesday, Sept. 30. The Martin L. King exit ramp from southbound U.S. 95 and the Martin L. King on-ramp to northbound U.S. 95 will open at approximately 3 p.m.
“A lot of the work for these ramps was completed by the Nevada Department of Transportation when this section of U.S. 95 was widened,” said Ward 5 Councilman Ricki Y. Barlow, who represents this area of Las Vegas. “Our project to complete the ramp work, and to widen and improve Martin L. King, is far enough along that the ramps can be opened to accommodate the increased traffic volume that will flow through the area. This is a milestone that has been long-awaited by residents.”
The Martin L. King Boulevard improvement project started in March 2008, and includes construction from Alta Drive, proceeding 2.5 miles north to Carey Avenue. The road is being widened to three northbound and three southbound travel lanes. Work also includes extensive utility relocation and undergrounding of utilities, along with the installation of curbs, gutters, sidewalks, storm drainage facilities, landscaped median islands and street lighting. Traffic signals at Bonanza Road, Washington Avenue, Vegas Drive, Lake Mead Boulevard and Carey are being upgraded. The new traffic signals, installed at the Discovery Drive intersection, are also part of this project.
“Although the ramps are opening, work continues on Martin L. King and motorists should proceed with caution through the area,” Barlow said. “When the improvements are completed, we will have one of the most beautiful Martin L. King Boulevards in the country.”
The entire project is slated for completion in the first quarter of 2010. Wells Cargo is the contractor. The city of Las Vegas Public Works Department is managing the improvements. HDR Engineering is providing consultant construction management services. Funding of the $45 million improvement project is provided by the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada and the city of Las Vegas.
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