Las Vegas Grand Prix announces changes to controversial temporary bridge
LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) - The Las Vegas Grand Prix announced new changes coming this year to a controversial temporary bridge meant to ease traffic problems, but causing its own problems with nearby businesses.
The temporary bridge on Flamingo Road over Koval Lane will be reduced from four lanes to two for this year’s race. The pedestrian bridge will also be relocated to the north side of the Flamingo/Koval intersection, rather than the south side from last year’s race. Officials said the changes were made in partnership with Clark County Public Works and emergency management officials, including Las Vegas Metropolitan Police.
“Consistent with our pledge to cause less disruption in the lead up to our 2024 race, we are happy to reduce the size of the Flamingo bridge thereby significantly mitigating the impact of the bridge on neighboring businesses,” Renee Wilm, Las Vegas Grand Prix CEO, said in a statement. “This new design allows us to continue to construct an incredibly complex circuit in one of the busiest destinations in the world while ensuring adequate access within the track for those who need it, especially for emergency response entities. We thank the County and Metro for their collaboration in developing this solution.”
Representatives with Las Vegas Grand Prix said they have reached out to nearby businesses “to share the news of the updated bridge plan,” but a representative for multiple businesses tells FOX5 that there was no such notification. At least one business reported having meetings set up with Formula 1 to discuss the bridge, but said that specific details on the changes were not disclosed. During the last race, businesses complained that it was difficult for customers and staff to access their buildings with the bridge in place.
Race officials said the bridge is scheduled to be installed mid-October and will be dismantled mid-December and said each phase should only take seven days each. Grand Prix officials also said construction for the race won’t begin until September.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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