Marathon, UNLV basketball game a combo for traffic jams Sunday
Every once in awhile, the scheduling gods aren’t on the same page, and it results in traffic issues that leave motorists muttering under their breaths as they sit in traffic jams.
Tonight could be one of those times.
You probably already have heard about the Rock ’n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon and Half-Marathon that will result in rolling street closures along Las Vegas Boulevard and other streets most of the afternoon and evening.
Marathon race officials will be raising their starters’ pistols right about the time UNLV basketball fans are making their way to the Thomas &Mack Center for the Rebels’ second game of the season.
So here’s a recommendation to all you hoops fans: Think about an alternate route to the arena.
The marathon is a once-a-year event that has grown to become a huge tourism draw.
The event used to be held in early December, and local planners got wise to the fact that the marathon was being staged on the same night as one of the Wranglers National Finals Rodeo performances. Two huge events in such close proximity had traffic jamboree written all over it.
One of the key draws to the marathon is the opportunity for runners and pedestrians to have the Strip to themselves for a few hours. Race organizers cut off race registrations at 36,000, and the event was sold out in late October.
In addition to the runners there will be thousands of their friends, family and supporters along for the event, which has morphed into a two-day festival, complete with parties and concerts.
Today’s race start is 4:30 p.m., just when it’s starting to get dark and the Strip lights are coming up. Runner friends have told me it’s a perfect time to run.
It makes sense to schedule the event on a Sunday night — runners and their followers are compelled to spend the night in town and get home Monday instead. It beefs up visitation on a night that’s normally quiet.
Meanwhile, UNLV is playing Sam Houston State University in a rare Sunday night game. The tipoff is scheduled for 5 p.m.
It’s early in the season, expectations are high, and the team is filled with new faces. It stands to reason that there should be a good turnout.
If you’re attending the game from west of Interstate 15, it might be a good idea to stay away from Tropicana Avenue, Flamingo Road and even Spring Mountain Road, the usual routes motorists use to make their way to the Thomas &Mack.
On any game night, the McCarran International Airport tunnel route gets a little congested when traffic hits Paradise Road and Tropicana.
Avoid cutting through downtown; there will be a lot of race activity there, too.
Approaching the Thomas &Mack from Flamingo or Tropicana from the east might be the best strategy. I’ve had good success in the past using Harmon Avenue from the east.
The best advice, however, is just to get there early. There’s no harm in getting out the door a half-hour earlier than usual.
Be patient on the road. Lay off the horn. Be courteous.
And have fun.
GOODBYE, OLD PAINT
Warrior reader Stephen is concerned about fading markings on local streets:
“A number of streets have worn and/or invisible lane divider markings. For example, every day I drive west on Sahara under the Interstate 15 overpass where there is a subtle lane shift. The lane markings are not clear, and usually drivers become confused as to which lane they belong — out-of-staters unfamiliar with the area are the usual suspects. Moreover, Sahara passes under I-15 and is normally shaded, particularly evident when driving from bright sunlight into relative darkness. What can be done?”
Tony Illia, a spokesman for the Nevada Transportation Department, said there are crews that work on this — but they can use your help.
“We have four main maintenance crews that cover the Las Vegas Valley,” Illia explained. “Once a year, they will take retro-reflectivity readings of bridges, signs, lane buttons and striping, compiling a list of needed repairs. The crew will work through the list, based on priority, over the next 12 months.
“However, if someone finds a state-maintained road with poor visibility markings, they can contact NDOT’s Maintenance Department at 702-385-6500, and we will check it out.”
DOWN TWO LANES
Warrior reader Robert has seen some lanes disappear in his neighborhood:
“I’d just like to know what is going on with the road leading to my complex at 5005 Losee Road. There are only two lanes where there used to be four, and it doesn’t look like they will get this done any time soon.”
Unfortunately, Robert, you’re right. Jennifer Doody, deputy director of public works for the City of North Las Vegas, said you won’t see multiple lanes until late next year.
“Our Losee Road Project is using fuel revenue index monies to improve the corridor from Craig Road to the 215 Beltway to six travel lanes with median dividers, storm-drain improvements, pedestrian walk paths, traffic signals and lighting,” she said.
“Unfortunately, the two-lane configuration will remain in place until the construction is complete for the project because the outside lanes are being constructed first, then the traffic control is being flipped to construct the inside lanes so we will just have one lane in each direction until the expected completion date of September 2015.”
Questions and comments should be sent to roadwarrior@reviewjournal.com. Please include your phone number. Follow the Road Warrior on Twitter @RJroadwarrior.
Route mapSee a map of the race routes for the full marathon and the half marathon.
