Opposition Emerging to Las Vegas Elevated Expressway Proposal

A pair of articles in recent weeks reveals opposition to a proposal for an elevated expressway connecting McCarran Airport and the Las Vegas Strip.

1 minute read

April 19, 2016, 10:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Welc_me to Fabulous Las Vegas

pocheco / Flickr

First, Sean Whaley reports that a "state Transportation Board member Monday suggested that a proposed elevated expressway to move visitors between McCarran International Airport and the Las Vegas Strip and its convention facilities is not the best use of scarce transportation dollars."

The Clark County Commission approved a study of the proposed expressway, which would spend $200 million for the intended purpose of relieving congestion on arterial streets like Koval Lane and Paradise Road. Jackie Valley reported on the proposal in February, when the study was approved.

In addition to the criticisms of the plan coming from the state capital, the Las Vegas Sun published a strongly worded editorial by Robert Lang, William Brown Jr. and Daniel Waqar that directly counters the idea that the expressway would reduce congestion. Their succinct plea: "Please do not build this."

Monday, April 11, 2016 in Las Vegas Review-Journal

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Person wearing mask walking through temporary outdoor dining setup lined with bistro lights at dusk in New York City.

Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?

Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.

June 19, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Aerial view of new neifhborhood under construction with enpty lots in foreground.

In California Battle of Housing vs. Environment, Housing Just Won

A new state law significantly limits the power of CEQA, an environmental review law that served as a powerful tool for blocking new development.

July 2 - CALmatters

Low-rise Pearl Sreet mall in Boulfer, Colorado.

Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide

Officials estimate the cost of building a single underground parking space at up to $100,000.

July 2 - Boulder Reporting Lab

Two-story buildings with porches in walkable Florida neighborhood.

Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code

The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.

July 2 - CNU Public Square