Volunteer Boulevard road project launched in Henderson
When Volunteer Boulevard in Henderson is widened over the next 15 months, it might be bicyclists and pedestrians who are most grateful for the improvements.
Representatives of the city of Henderson and the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada kicked off the $16.7 million project Wednesday with a groundbreaking ceremony near Henderson Executive Airport.
Crews under contractor Las Vegas Paving will widen Volunteer Boulevard from two to four lanes between Executive Airport Drive and Las Vegas Boulevard with a median and separate bike lanes. The project also includes drainage improvements to help prevent flooding and disperse standing water as well as the resurfacing of Executive Airport Drive between Volunteer and St. Rose Parkway. New lighting along the street also is planned.
The project will be a benefit to residents of Anthem, including the Sun City Anthem area, and the new Inspirada development who use Volunteer to commute west to access Interstate 15. The 1.9-mile stretch of Volunteer passes just to the south of the M Resort.
When construction begins, city officials said there might be some road delays in the work zone as the project continues.
The project, which will include subcontractors Highway Striping & Signs, MC4 Construction and Harris Rebar, will create 91 new jobs.
A large portion of the project, $6.9 million, will be paid for with fuel-revenue indexing money, the program that has been a source of funding for more than 200 Southern Nevada transportation projects over three years.
As of Oct. 7, 128 design and construction contracts have been awarded, including 74 to local small businesses, totaling $305 million and creating 3,936 jobs.
The rate of fuel-revenue indexing is tied to the federal consumer price index and over the past two years has generated an additional tax of up to 10 cents a gallon in addition to the existing 24-cent state and 18-cent federal fuel tax.
The current fuel-revenue indexing program ends at the end of next year and would require Clark County voters to expand it beyond 2016.
Henderson City Councilwoman Debra March, also a representative to the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada's board, said that as a bicycling enthusiast, she is particularly happy about the project.
"Not only will this improve access to Sun City Anthem and Inspirada, but it will improve safety because it will separate the street from bicyclists and it will add lighting that will improve visibility at night," March said.
About 40 people attended the groundbreaking, including Sun City Anthem resident Alan Socolic, who said the project would be a plus for him and his neighbors.
Contact Richard N. Velotta at rvelotta@reviewjournal.com or 702-477-3893. Find him on Twitter: @RickVelotta
