New traffic, pedestrian signals lit at Vegas welcome sign

With the flick of a switch, a pair of traffic signals were illuminated for the first time Thursday at the Las Vegas welcome sign on the Strip.

Turning on the lights was part of a $900,000 Clark County project that added the two sets of traffic signals, marked crosswalks, 21 additional parking spots and cosmetic and safety improvements around the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign, said county spokesman Dan Kulin.

County Commissioner Mary Beth Scow and commission Chair Steve Sisolak did the honors, saying the additions were necessary for the estimated 200 pedestrians and 56,000 vehicles that pass the world famous display each day.

“We wanted to be proactive to prevent a tragedy,” Sisolak said.

One tragedy happened during construction. Russell R. Slouffman Jr., of Las Vegas, crashed a 2010 Kia Soul into the back of a flatbed truck April 3. It was equipped with a rear-flashing directional warning sign to divert traffic around a welding crew working on fencing. Slouffman, 21, died the next day at University Medical Center.

Las Vegas police requested the upgrades, Scow said, because of increasing vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

Before the additions, the welcome sign had 12 parking spots, leaving visitors to park on South Las Vegas Boulevard and in neighboring businesses’ parking lots before jaywalking to the sign.

“It’s something that needed to be done and I’m glad we got it done,” Scow said.

Among other improvements was the replacement of a fence separating Las Vegas’ best known boulevard from the fixed photo op.

Tourism at the welcome sign has increased exponentially in recent years, Sisolak said, thanks in part to social media. When visitors post photos on Facebook and Twitter, the sign becomes more of a novelty.

“When people get here it’s one of those fun things they love to do.”

Commissioners also announced plans to honor sign designer Betty Willis, who died in her Overton home on Sunday. The commission will proclaim May 5 “Betty Willis Day.” She also was known for her work on signs for the Riviera and Moulin Rouge casinos plus the Blue Angel Motel.

“Betty’s sign epitomizes and symbolizes Las Vegas,” Sisolak said. “I don’t think anyone would have ever imagined how significant it would become.”

Contact Chris Kudialis at ckudialis@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0283. Find him on Twitter: @kudialisrj