Race fans face traffic bottleneck

To see trucks race, fans will likely have to battle slow moving traffic, officials advised.

Race fans planning on attending tonight's Qwik Liner Las Vegas 350 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race are being encouraged to leave early for the event because of construction on Interstate 15.

The Nevada Department of Transportation is in the midst of widening I-15 from the Spaghetti Bowl north to Craig Road. As a result of that work I-15 has been reduced to two lanes in the area and a number of onramps and offramps have been closed.

Race officials are asking fans driving in from Summerlin, Centennial Hills and other areas in the western and northern parts of the valley to take the Las Vegas Beltway east to the interchange with I-15 in the northern valley.

Fans traveling on U.S. 95 from the southeast valley are advised that the exit to I-15 north is closed. Those fans are encouraged to take Nellis Boulevard north to Las Vegas Boulevard.

Speedway general manager Chris Powell said, "Many of the people attending our race have been aware of this project for quite some time. But we still want everyone to use an alternate route if possible."

Gates will open at 3 p.m. with the race set to start at 6:30 p.m. Officials said between 50,000 and 60,000 people are expected to attend.

"The fewer people who use this particular corridor, the less chance there is for congestion. If people will use the suggested alternate routes, it should keep delays to a minimum," said Transportation Department spokesman Bob McKenzie.

The speedway is encouraging use of public transportation. Buses will leave the Downtown Transportation Center to a stop at Craig Road and Nellis Boulevard. Fans can transfer to a bus to the speedway.

Fans can find up to date information about traffic flow by visiting www.lvms.com or www.i15project.com. For bus service information visit www.rtcsouthernnevada.com.