Three-phase project to improve walkability in neighborhoods

The city of Las Vegas has started the first of a three-phase project bringing new sidewalks and pedestrian improvements into older downtown neighborhoods.

Construction began Nov. 12 in the neighborhoods bounded by Carson Avenue, Maryland Parkway, Ninth Street and Charleston Boulevard, with the goal of improving efficiency of pedestrian travel and quality of life for residents. Completion of phase one is expected by March 31, according to city officials.

"It's a starting point," said Ward 3 Las Vegas City Councilman Bob Coffin. "We have a long way to go ... The city is low on money, so we are doing this in waves. It's small bites."

The city received $2.2 million in community development block grant funding from the federal government.

Phase one has an estimated price tag of $1.8 million, according to city spokesman Jace Radke.

"I'm doubtful (the grant) will cover the full design," Radke said. "The city will have to find money for the rest of the project."

Phases two and three are still in the design process and costs have yet to be estimated, Radke said. Phase two is expected to begin by summer.

Community activist and Ward 3 resident Martin Dean Dupalo considers this project a victory for those with disabilities. He spent three months walking the neighborhoods around his home documenting the condition of sidewalks in certain areas of wards 3 and 5.

Dupalo said he found more than 12 miles of nonexistent or intermittent sidewalk and more than 400 curbs not in compliance with federal Americans with Disabilities Act regulations.

The city project is intended to bring the sidewalks and curbs up to compliance.

"It's a start to something 22 years past due," Dupalo said. "This presents the opportunity the ADA intended and provides a level of freedom and dignity for people previously housebound."

Still, Coffin said the problem of maintaining the improvements remains.

"Every time we paint a crosswalk, it immediately begins to decay," he said. "We've got to really determine how much we have in assets in order to see what we need to maintain."

Phase two of the project is expected to upgrade sidewalks in neighborhoods bounded by Owens Avenue, Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Bonanza Road and Interstate 15.

Phase three is set to consist of neighborhoods bounded by Maryland Parkway, Charleston Boulevard, Bruce Street and Interstate 15.

Work will take place primarily during the day Monday through Friday, although some work may occur on weekends as required, according to the city.

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.

For more information, visit lasvegasnevada.gov or call 702-229-6011.

Contact Paradise/Downtown View reporter Nolan Lister at nlister@viewnews.com or 702-383-0492.