An independent journal of the highway, transit, and public-works projects planned across the Las Vegas valley — and what each one means for the people who rely on these roads.
New Russell Road intersection would connect I 15 with Las Vegas Boulevard and provide another route toward Tropicana Avenue.
A proposed new Las Vegas road could create another major north south traffic option through the south Strip.
The proposal begins at the existing Russell Road exit from I 15 and includes a new intersection at Russell Road and Las Vegas Boulevard.
From there, a new four lane roadway would extend east toward Haven Street, then connect north through Koval Lane toward Tropicana Avenue.
The proposed route could provide an alternative to concentrating so much traffic at Tropicana Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard.
The proposed traffic route would connect:
Haven Street would also extend north to Reno Avenue.
The project announcement compares the purpose of the proposed route with Frank Sinatra Drive, which provides an alternative north south route along the west side of Las Vegas Boulevard.
The proposed road could provide another north south option on the east side.
The Tropicana Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard intersection currently handles traffic volumes approaching 100,000 vehicles per day, according to the project announcement.
The announcement also states NDOT informally estimates the new Strip intersection could decrease Tropicana traffic by an estimated 22%.
The estimate is significant because the proposed road would give some motorists another route instead of requiring them to travel through the existing Tropicana and Las Vegas Boulevard intersection.
Russell Road already has access to I 15.
The proposed project would extend the usefulness of this existing connection by creating the new intersection at Las Vegas Boulevard and continuing the road east.
Motorists could potentially enter or leave the south Strip through Russell Road while also gaining access toward Haven Street, Koval Lane and Tropicana Avenue.
The road could serve residents, employees, hotel guests, convention traffic and people attending major sporting events.
According to the project announcement, locals and tourists traveling from east side hotels such as MGM Grand could potentially reach Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas Boulevard, I 15 or Allegiant Stadium without using the Tropicana and Las Vegas Boulevard intersection.
The proposal could also provide additional access involving the Las Vegas Athletics property and the proposed Diamond Arena.
The traffic value, however, is not limited to these developments.
The proposed roadway could become another route available to anyone traveling through the south Strip area.
Most of the proposed roadway would be constructed on land not currently being used for roads.
According to the project announcement, approximately 75% would involve existing public roads or land from private property owners.
Approximately 16% would use property acquired by Clark County in 2021 containing an existing north south road.
The remaining approximately 9% would involve construction over a county drainage ditch, with the drainage channel incorporated into the middle of the new roadway.
The project announcement states construction would have virtually no impact on existing traffic.
Estimated construction time is approximately 18 months.
Below is the complete August 31, 2026 announcement concerning the proposed Russell Road and Las Vegas Boulevard intersection and new south Strip bypass.
From The Wire · News 3 Las Vegas New Strip Bypass Intersection Approved at Russell and Las Vegas Boulevard Local coverage of
Sound investments made today produce a more connected, more resilient Las Vegas for the generations that follow.
Upgraded roadways and better linkages relieve congestion and make daily travel easier.
Thoughtful infrastructure underwrites commerce, employment, and durable growth.
Contemporary engineering and design measurably lower crash risk for all users.
Improved access and circulation lift quality of life throughout the region.
Concepts on paper today may stand as the valley's landmarks tomorrow.
Remarkable cities are assembled from a long series of consequential decisions. This journal documents the proposals most likely to leave a durable imprint on Southern Nevada, while there is still time to understand them.