Interruptions Permitted

This week readers want to know whether construction crews need a permit to bring all traffic to a halt while they enter and exit a job site, are there plans to put a sign on southbound Interstate 15 identifying the exit for St. Rose Parkway, and is there a law regarding people handing out religious information in the middle of the street. Also the Road Warrior learns he sometimes needs to use an Elmer Fudd accent to understand a personalized plate.

Scott asks: Can you please tell me whether construction road crews need a permit to randomly bring all traffic to a halt behind the Monte Carlo so the workers on the project can exit. Do they have or need a permit to back up traffic?

The short answer is yes, government planners must approve "flaggers" or people employed to halt traffic.

Bobby Shelton, spokesman for the Clark County public works department, told me that when a construction plan is first submitted to the county, a traffic control plan must be included.

The county will often insist a construction company have flaggers in order to help control congestion, Shelton said.

Shelton explained that if flaggers weren't used, projects would likely take longer to complete because it would take longer for crews, equipment and material to get in and out of job sites. He added that the longer a job takes, the longer it is an inconvenience for motorists.

Scott is likely referring to the City Center project and the effect construction is having on Frank Sinatra Drive traffic. I would offer, if it is convenient, an alternative around the work by using Dean Martin Drive on the west side of I-15. You can get to Dean Martin by crossing under I-15 at Industrial Road or over I-15 at Hacienda Avenue behind Mandalay Bay.

Karen LaCognata writes: I was wondering if there were plans to put up a sign on southbound I-15 identifying exit 27 as St. Rose Parkway? There is a sign on southbound I-15 just north of Interstate 215 that states "St. Rose Parkway 8 miles," but the St. Rose exit is never mentioned again. Can this inconsistency be fixed?

Good catch Karen. The Nevada Department of Transportation has plans to put four signs, two south of St. Rose and two north of St. Rose, said Bob McKenzie, spokesman for the Nevada Department of Transportation.

McKenzie said the signs are currently being fabricated by a contractor and should be up by late September or early October.

The signs heading south on I-15 will be near Blue Diamond Road and just before the St. Rose exit.

Rose asks: Is there a law regarding religious groups handing out information in the middle of the street?

Nevada Revised Statute 244.3555 and 268.423 allows local government agencies to give permits to charitable groups so they can solicit contributions while standing on a median strip in the road or from the sidewalk.

The state recognizes charitable groups that fall in line with what is defined by the Internal Revenue Service, which would include many religious groups.

The state also protects the county or city government from any liability that might arise from an incident that happens during such solicitation.

Hit 'n' Run

Susan saw this vanity plate on the road in the Sun City retirement community: WE TIRED. Susan informed me that it has a double meaning. The driver and passenger might indeed simply be tired. The second meaning is found when sounding out the words in an Elmer Fudd accent -- translated from "retired."

Now for some useless information: According to Looneytunes.com, Elmer Fudd's name is from the root word for befuddled. And I think befuddled is the root for Road Warrior.

If you have a question, tip or tirade, call Francis McCabe at (702) 387-2904, or send an e-mail to roadwarrior@reviewjournal.com. Please include your phone number.