Signal problem solved thanks to astute driver

This week's prize goes out to Jan, who pointed out a problem signal that government officials did not know about. Unfortunately, the only prize we offer is a mighty "Yea, Jan!" Here goes:

There has always been a left-turn signal on West Charleston Boulevard to turn onto Arville Street. However, it was disabled during the recent construction on Charleston. The construction seems to be complete but still no left-turn signal. Is it possible if you can get an answer?

After being asked about this intersection Monday, engineers with the city of Las Vegas went out to inspect the signal. They determined that the video detection for the left-turn light had failed. They immediately fixed the problem and traffic is once again moving smoothly. And, Jan, the city thanks you for bringing it to its attention!

Rob: My weekday commute has taken me up Interstate 15 from the far south since December 2008. Ever since I started that commute I-15 has been under some form of construction (creating the express lanes, repaving, I-15 south project, etc.) Please tell me there will be a break from the time the I-15 south project wraps up until something new starts!? I know there is a Sahara-to-Spaghetti Bowl project looming, but I have not heard of any timetable. I know that one will be a monster, too.

I'm not certain how much of a break you will receive Rob because the Nevada Department of Transportation is gearing up to start Project NEON, the one you referred to between Desert Inn Road and the Spaghetti Bowl. Engineers have hosted plenty of public hearings and are wrapping up the design process, which is expected to be finished next year. Funding, undertaking a huge project in a densely urban area and acquiring right of way are a few components that play a factor in the timing of this project. There is no telling when exactly we'll start to see restricted lanes and more heavy equipment on Interstate 15, but I believe it will be sometime next year.

For those of you unfamiliar with the project, Rob is right - it's a monster. The $486 million project will include a high-occupancy vehicle connector between I-15 and U.S. Highway 95, a new access to Alta Drive, a new interchange at Charleston Boulevard, widening of the freeway and additional access points leading to downtown.

Here's another from Rob: I live in the south valley and want to know if there are plans to install a signal at St. Rose and Maryland parkways? It seems like they dig around every few months, and there are two of the four posts up, but nothing. It is getting quite dangerous to negotiate a left turn from Maryland onto eastbound St. Rose.

I'll give you a little better news on this one Rob. I'm sure there are plenty of residents in your neighborhood who feel your pain. During a recent jaunt down St. Rose, searching for a street, I thought for sure I was going to be rear-ended and demolished by a vehicle traveling 70 mph. Here's the deal: According to the Nevada Department of Transportation's website, traffic signals are scheduled to be installed along St. Rose Parkway between Maryland and Bermuda Road within the year. Unfortunately no definite timetable has been announced.

Jim: Do you think we will ever see a complete "real" transition between the Northern Beltway and U.S. Highway 95?

Yes, I do. But you are probably wondering when - that's the tougher question, Jim. This $290 million interchange is under the design phase, which is expected to be finished next year. The obstacle with this critical project? Yep, you guessed it: dollars. The interchange is actually included in the ongoing widening and improvement of U.S. Highway 95, which ultimately stretches from Washington Avenue to Kyle Canyon Road. The project is built into the third phase of the four-phase endeavor. Under the department's schedule, the construction date lists the dreaded TBD (to be determined). In addition to the poor economy, the department is faced with challenges that include complex right-of-way acquisitions and relocation of utilities. The state transportation division is staring at a $5 billion shortfall in funds for capital projects through 2016, so unless there is a windfall for "shovel-ready" projects, don't hold your breath.

At this point, it appears as though the department's priority - because of federal funding assistance - is the interchange at Interstate 15 and the northern portion of Interstate 215 near the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Craig: Is there some time frame before they turn on the blinking yellow arrows for stop lights that have been replaced? The specific intersection I am asking about is Tenaya Way and Flamingo Road. They took out the yield on green light and now you wait the full cycle of the light to make a left turn. There is a yellow arrow on the light post now but it is not operating as of yet. It's a waste of gas to idle there when there is no east or westbound traffic on Flamingo. Also adds to air pollution by sitting there waiting to go on to your destination.

A couple hundred of these lights have been installed throughout the Las Vegas Valley during the last year because they have been deemed safer than the green arrow and solid green ball. You might see them up but it will take quite some time to get the wiring straight in the control box. So if you see the arrow, but it has yet to be activated, remain patient. Once installed it is only a couple of weeks or so before they are wired and turned on.

If you have a question, tip or tirade, call Adrienne Packer at 702-387-2904, or send an email to roadwarrior@reviewjournal.com. Include your phone number. Also, you can follow her on Twitter @RJ_RoadWarrior.