LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Between several major political events happening in Las Vegas this week and NASCAR this weekend, drivers can expect travel delays through Sunday.
PRESIDENTIAL VISIT
With President Trump in town, the Nevada Department of Transportation says to expect traffic delays at times, similar to the temporary closure of the southbound lanes of Interstate 15 at Sahara Wednesday morning.
NDOT's Public Information Officer Tony Illia offered this statement: "The U.S. Secret Service seldom discloses its travel routes due to security concerns. As a result, freeway stops made by the presidential motorcade will be done with little prior notice. Any temporary traffic restrictions incurred will be made in real time by law enforcement escorts, including the Nevada Highway Patrol and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police. However, the president often stays at his eponymous hotel while visiting Las Vegas. Currently, the department advises motorists to take the presidential visit when making travel plans, budgeting travel time if passing through known visitation locations."
CULINARY UNION EVENT
In a planned event, Culinary Union Local 226 will be picketing in front of Palms Resort Casino from 9:30 until 11 a.m. Wednesday. 350 picketers are expected to fill the sidewalk in front of the Palms as well as the inside travel lane of Flamingo Road along the sidewalk. Barricades will be in place from 8:30 a.m. and will come down by 12:30 p.m., according to NDOT. Between the large crowds and onlookers, the event could result in backups through the area.
OVERNIGHT ONRAMP CLOSURE
The Casino Center Boulevard onramp to U.S. Highway 95 will be closed overnight Wednesday for geotechnical boring, according to NDOT. The closure will take place from 9 p.m. Wednesday until 5:30 a.m. Thursday.
NASCAR WEEKEND
NDOT is asking drivers to avoid Interstate 15 near Exit 54 during the Penzoil 400 race this weekend. Up to 100,000 people and 25,000 additional vehicles are expected near the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Friday through Sunday.
“We expect heavy traffic along northern Interstate 15 during NASCAR race weekend,” said NDOT spokesman Tony Illia. “We advise taking alternate routes, if possible. But, if travel through the area is unavoidable, please plan accordingly and budget additional time to reach your destination.”
DOWNTOWN WEEKEND LANE RESTRICTIONS
NDOT will close two lanes along northbound U.S. Highway 95 between Las Vegas Blvd. and City Parkway from 8 p.m. Saturday through 6 a.m. Sunday. Crews will be making overnight bridge repairs during the partial closure.
