Formula One plans to bring back a temporary bridge while businesses vow to fight return

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) - Formula One plans to bring back a temporary bridge to the Las Vegas Grand Prix, and some impacted local businesses tell FOX5 they plan to fight the return to its previous footprint.

Businesses called for the removal of the temporary bridge at Flamingo Road and Koval Lane and celebrated their win to get it taken down before the Super Bowl.

Numerous establishments tell FOX5 business has been significantly better or “normal” since the bridge was removed.

“Super Bowl was like every possible positive thing that could ever happen anywhere in the world. F1 was the exact opposite of that,” said Wade Bohn, the owner of Jay’s Market, who said he laid off workers and lost millions of dollars over the past few months.

“Business has been terrible, but since that bridge came down, it’s picked right back up,” he said.

A group of businesses around the intersection tell FOX5 how the bridge caused profits to plummet. They’ve also asked for financial remedies for their tens of millions of dollars in losses over the course of months of road construction and disruption.

The temporary bridge from Formula One helped transport crews, vehicles and equipment around the perimeter of the race. County crews kept it up for a few additional weeks to study it. Some drivers told FOX5 they liked the addition and it helped their commute, while others found it confusing or problematic.

Bohn is among some businesses calling for a several-day closure of the intersection as an alternative solution.

FOX5 asked the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix if there would be changes to its location or any modifications if the bridge returns.

“We will build a temporary vehicular bridge to ensure access to/from the interior of the track. We are continuing to work in close coordination with Clark County and community stakeholders to inform race week planning and are committed to providing clear communications throughout this process. We are in touch with the businesses near the Flamingo-Koval intersection to listen and understand their concerns, and we will continue to work with them to mitigate impact.”

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