I-11 project in Boulder City, Nev., progressing nicely

Las Vegas and Phoenix are the only two cities with populations more than 1 million that are currently not connected by an interstate. The I-11 looks to change all that. The first phase in Boulder City is expected to be complete by the fall of 2018, and Roads & Bridges checked in on the progress in late January. All signs point toward crews hitting that deadline.

The first phase of I-11 will relieve congestion, improve safety and enhance travel and commerce between Arizona and Nevada. Construction of the project will create an estimated 4,000 direct and induced jobs in the region, which currently has one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation. Phase 1 will construct about 15 miles of new freeway around the southern and eastern perimeter of Boulder City, Nev., from I-515 to U.S. 93. The project includes the construction of a four-lane access-controlled freeway with a new interchange at U.S. 95 and a reconfigured interchange at the U.S. 93/S.R. 172 Hoover Dam exit.

Major project elements include extensive rock excavation, nine bridges, a scenic view parking area overlooking Lake Meade, drainage culverts and environmental mitigation. Crews also have constructed a wildlife crossing, which could be the biggest in the world.