The interstate 11 project is working to find the best route through Las Vegas Valley. Presently, they’re working on the corridor between Phoenix and Las Vegas. Interestingly enough, these are the largest metropolitan areas that aren’t connected by a highway. So, what does the I-11 have in store for the Las Vegas Valley? And, how can you make your voice heard at the upcoming hearing?

First, let’s discuss how this project even got started. According to reports the project started as early as middle 2012, when Nevada and Arizona transportation departments started developing corridor reports. Next, a part of I-11 that would run through the Boulder City bypass to North of Las Vegas was made public. At this point the people of Las Vegas were well aware of the I-11 project. Finally, a recent update of the project let the public know the evaluated the public comments and refined the I-11 corridor accordingly. So, what can we expect from the I-11 project?

The one thing we do know about the I-11 project is it isn’t definite just yet. In fact, the Nevada Department of Transportation said plenty of research is needed to find the route that makes the most sense. However, they’ve narrowed the route down to three, and these three routes are meant to go through the city. The routes with the most public support are the northern end of the Boulder City bypass, a route known as Option Z that puts the route on highways, and finally the BB-QQ option that starts north on U.S. 95.

Basically, I-11 is at least years away from becoming a reality. However, this doesn’t mean you won’t get your chance to present your opinion on the matter. In fact, there’s a major meeting for local residents happening later this month. This meeting is at the Historic Fifth Street School, 401 S. Fourth Street. Plus, there’s going to be an online meeting a little before the big meeting, where the public are open to comment. And, if you live in Nevada, this is definitely a decision that concerns you and your community.

There is of course a lot of interest in I-11. In fact, I-11 is a major economic driver for both Las Vegas and Phoenix because the highway will also link Mexico and Canada together, eventually. Plus, this project is going to generate many construction jobs. These are things people will keep in mind when they reach the next I-11 hearing, obviously. Luckily for both states, the focus of the major meeting for I-11 is choosing the best route. Hopefully, if we’re lucky, the highway won’t take years to complete because it’s something both states need.

One thing to look forward to is the connection of Mexico and Canada, which is estimated at two years from now. And, at least I-11 is in the process of completion, with public hearings still underway. How long it will take, is unknown though.