Drivers of I-15 in Las Vegas Have Hit the Jackpot

Project Neon, the most expensive transportation project in Nevada’s history, is complete. Ribbons were cut on August 8, 2019, to celebrate the official completion of a 3.7-mile stretch of Interstate 15 from Sahara Avenue to the U.S. Highway 95 “Spaghetti Bowl” interchange - the state’s busiest freeway interchange.

With the expectation for traffic in this area to double between now and 2035, Project Neon culminates a 20-year project to improve freeway transportation in downtown Las Vegas. Specific benefits include improved safety, air quality, new surface street connections, improved access into downtown and reduced congestion, delays and weaving.

Jacobs started working on the project in 2008, providing consultant services from the environmental phase through completion of construction.

“The NEPA effort included delivery of a draft EIS just eight weeks after the task was assigned to us,” recalls Jacobs’ project manager John Taylor.

Through close coordination with NDOT, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and cooperating agencies including the City of Las Vegas, the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was delivered on schedule. In May 2010, the Final EIS for the nearly $1.5 billion program was signed.

During preliminary design, Jacobs led the development of 60