City of Las Vegas to start sidewalk project Monday

The first phase of a three-phase project to construct new sidewalks and other pedestrian improvements in older neighborhoods will start Monday, the city of Las Vegas announced Thursday.

The goal of the project, city officials said in a news release, "is to improve the 'walkability' and quality of life for residents in the downtown Las Vegas and West Las Vegas project areas, which are primarily Wards 3 and 5."

Many of the properties in these older parts of Las Vegas have no sidewalks.

While sidewalk improvements are usually the responsibility of property owners, the city secured a Community Development Block Grant to be able to meet the needs of residents who had not completed sidewalk improvements.

"Completing continuous sidewalks will make these neighborhoods safer and more accessible for pedestrians - particularly disabled residents, such as those using scooters or wheelchairs - (while) improving access to stores, services and public transportation," the release said.

The downtown project area for Phase 1 is bounded by Carson Avenue, Maryland Parkway, Ninth Street and Charleston Boulevard. The West Las Vegas project area for Phase 1 is bounded by Owens Avenue, H Street and Interstate 15.

New concrete sidewalks and Americans With Disabilities Act-compliant ramps will be constructed, with other pedestrian upgrades. Necessary repairs will be made to existing sidewalks.

Work is scheduled during the day Monday through Friday, but some work might occur on weekends.

Motorists and residents are cautioned to expect some lane restrictions, gutter reconstruction and pavement patches at some intersections, intermittent on-street parking restrictions and sidewalk pedestrian detours as the project progresses.

Phase 1 construction is scheduled to be completed by March 31.

The estimated cost for the first phase is $1.8 million, with funds provided by the grant and the city.

Phases 2 and 3 are in design, with Phase 2 expected to start by summer 2013.

Contact reporter Joe Hawk at jhawk@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2912. Follow him on Twitter: @RJroadwarrior.