Plan for an additional lane to solve terrible traffic on Interstate 15 announced
Being stuck in an awful traffic jam on Interstate 15 is not a new thing for travelers who frequently pass by the 5-mile stretch of highway between California and Nevada. FOX5 said traffic here on holidays can be backed up as much as 30 miles between Las Vegas and California.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak unveiled a plan on Sunday that can benefit those who drive on I-15. FOX5 reported that officials plan to have an additional highway lane temporarily during the rush hours, SFGATE reported.
"This 5-mile stretch of highway is a critical piece of infrastructure for not only our two states but for the whole country. However, the hours of traffic deters tourism and goods movement," Newsom said, as he talked to KTNV. "While this is just a temporary solution, the expansion is crucial for continued economic health and resilience in the region and beyond."
The governor told FOX5 that the move to add a third lane came after he received a call from Sisolak saying "we can't take it anymore."
"California needs to step up. We need a better partnership to address … a longstanding issue that, candidly, has not been addressed for years and years," the California governor told FOX5.
The additional lane will be open by summer next year, Newsom pledged. It got a $12 expected fund, and the state plans to source the budget from the Build Back Better program.