Las Vegas Grand Prix safety preparations target pedestrian bridges

With Las Vegas’ second annual Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix fast-approaching next week, the city has turned its attention to preparing the public for what it hopes is a safe, smooth-sailing event.

“In one week, Formula One enthusiasts will descend on the world’s most incredible destination to merge the thrill and speed of Formula One with the iconic Las Vegas Strip in the heart of the entertainment and sports capital of the world,” Las Vegas Grand Prix Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs Lori Nelson-Kraft said at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon.

But while there is much excitement, Nelson-Kraft also said that keeping everyone safe was the top priority for the event, which will take place from Nov. 21 to Nov. 23. It will be the second year that Las Vegas has hosted the motor racing event on a temporary 3.8 mile course on parts of the Strip. Last year’s event brought in 145,000 visitors. This year, people can expect road closures and increased safety precautions.

One update from last year will be safety enclosures and barriers inside all of the pedestrian bridges, both on the public side and on the private side, according to Metropolitan Police Department Undersheriff Andrew Walsh. He said these will help with both driver and pedestrian safety — they ensure that people do not throw anything onto the track, and help keep pedestrian traffic on the strip flowing.

Road closures

Clark County Commission Vice Chairman William McCurdy thanked the “traveling public” for its cooperation during the event, reminding people that traveling around the resort corridor will be challenging during race week. He said that people should expect traffic delays and plan for alternative routes.

Portions of Las Vegas Boulevard, Koval Lane, Harmon Avenue and Sands Avenue will be closed starting Wednesday at 12 a.m., with intermittent closing and opening until they are reopened by Sunday at 4 a.m, according to a news release sent by the county.

Ride-shares will be available from Tuscany, Park MGM, Hughes Center, Las Vegas Convention Center and Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Monorail will also be available.

For real-time updates, people can text F1LV to 31996 for traffic notifications and updates about the event.

Safety

Walsh did not share the exact number of police officers that will be in the area, but said it will be a very high number.

“You’re not going to go very far without seeing a police officer,” Walsh said.

All guests will be screened upon entry, according to Nelson-Kraft.

No large backpacks are allowed, and all totes and backpacks bags must be transparent. Small handbags or fanny packs must be smaller than six by nine inches.

Glass bottles, strollers and carts will also be prohibited. Walsh said he hoped for “voluntary compliance” for such rules, as they serve as distractions for security personnel who need to pay attention to the race and crowd.

Walsh also said that the event will be a “no drone zone,” and that violators could face a fine of up to $30,000, confiscation of the drone and even criminal charges.

McCurdy said that the months of preparation across several departments will make for a safe and successful event.

“We have a can-do spirit in this community that makes us the best place in the world to host these major events,” he said.

Contact Katie Futterman at kfutterman@reviewjournal.com. Follow @ktfutts on X.