Construction of the US$155 million final phase of the Centennial Bowl interchange in northwest Las Vegas has officially begun. Breaking ground on this phase will build-out the remaining three ramps needed to finish the system-to-system interchange that first began construction in 2015. The project calls for adding new direct freeway-to-freeway connections for higher travel speeds for greater efficiency and safety that also forgoes stop-and-go surface street navigation. New direct freeway connections include southbound U.S. Highway 95 to the westbound 215 Beltway; the westbound 215 Beltway to northbound U.S. Highway 95; and the eastbound 215 Beltway to northbound U.S. Highway 95.
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In addition, a multi-use recreational trail will be added along the northside of the 215 Beltway from Grand Montecito Parkway to Tenaya Way along with several kilometers of new bike lanes and sidewalks. Oso Blanca will also be realigned linking it with Centennial Center Boulevard, and Lone Mountain Road will be widened between Tenaya Way and Rancho Drive. The project, funded by a combination of state, federal, and county funds, will create nearly 1,700 direct, indirect, and induced local jobs. The Centennial Bowl, upon completion in early 2024, will be one of the state’s largest interchanges with 20 total bridges over three decks.
“This interchange will enhance traffic, mobility, and motorist safety while establishing a new gateway for the Centennial area,” said Director Kristina Swallow of The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT). “Currently, over 107,500 vehicles daily travel the ramps and freeways at U.S. 95 and the 215 Beltway, and it’s only expected to grow in the future.” The completed Centennial Bowl in Las Vegas will have the second-longest bridge in the state the two-lane flyover ramp connecting U.S. 95 northbound and the 215 westbound spanning 2,654 feet, which opened to traffic in August. By the end of the nine-year project, the total cost will be nearly US$300 million.
