Beltway connection in the works

This week, readers want to know about streets. Specifically, when there will be more of one and what to do when you see solid stripes on any of 'em. And the Road Warrior finds "success" isn't always successful.

A reader asks: I was calling to see if you can check into Lamb Boulevard and whether it's going to go through to the Las Vegas Beltway. Is there a timetable or anything on that?

The good news for you, dear reader, is there's a plan to do just what you're asking for.

The city of North Las Vegas has mapped out plans to build out a two-mile stretch of Lamb from Interstate 15 northward to the Beltway. Currently, the road ends between I-15 and Centennial Parkway, which is just south of the Beltway.

The road is planned to be 120 feet wide, which is more than enough room for six lanes of traffic, three each way. As part of the plan, officials intend to build a bridge over railroad tracks and Donovan Way, just north of I-15, and flood control facilities.

City officials recognize Lamb is a major north-south route for the Las Vegas Valley and is a main access road for fast-growing parts of North Las Vegas, making this plan a high priority in the north valley.

With this project, authorities hope to provide better access to new residential and commercial developments, improve access to freeways and better direct storm water to an existing detention basin, officials said in a prepared statement.

Now, here's some better news: Construction is expected to start sometime next month, with a hoped-for completion date sometime around February 2009. We'll see how it goes.

The project's $44.5 million price tag is being covered by the city, Regional Transportation Commission, Regional Flood Control District and tax assessments to property owners in the area.

Carol Snell asks: Help, I need to know. Is there a time that is OK to cross over a solid white line? I seem to be the only driver that doesn't drive over a solid white line to make a right-hand turn. People get really upset with me and try to turn right into me.

You're in the right, Carol.

"Any solid line, be it yellow or white, means you can't cross," said Trooper Kevin Honea of the Nevada Highway Patrol.

Even though white lines "are advisory," it doesn't mean you're not breaking a law if you cross over.

Most asphalt outside of a white stripe, like a bike lane, parking lane or bus lane, are not specified as vehicle travel lanes. Someone broaching that line and driving in those lanes could be cited for failing to drive in a marked travel lane, according to Honea.

Additionally, if there are other signs ordering drivers to stay in their travel lanes -- as there are in some U.S. Highway 95 work zones, where travel lanes are divided with solid white lines -- then the violation is failing to obey a traffic control device. That's the same offense as running a red light.

"I'd advise to never cross a solid line" of any color, Honea said. When solid white lines precede a turn lane, he tells drivers to wait until the solid stripes become broken stripes before entering that lane.

"That's where it's designed for you to make that turn," Honea said.

Hit 'n Run: Success is in the eye of the beholder. But by that standard, you might think Delaware state Rep. J. Ben Ewing is as blind as a bat. This is what he told Delaware Online last year, regarding rapid transit development in his state:

"Many nations around the world employ monorails to move their citizens," Ewing wrote. "In the U.S., Las Vegas and Seattle operate successful monorail trains."

Oh, yeah, train parts falling onto the streets from above, the empty seats, the tens of millions of dollars in annual losses, dire predictions of looming default on hundreds of millions of dollars of debt. That's success!

Now, where was Ewing when I needed somebody to pitch my "successful" high school academic career to various colleges?

If you have a question, tip or tirade, call the City Desk at 383-0264, or send an e-mail to roadwarrior@reviewjournal.com. Please include your phone number.