Former truck driver’s sign idea going nowhere

This week’s theme: Sometimes what seemed like a good idea at the time doesn’t sound so good when you stop to reflect on it.

Letting the toddler eat doughnuts for breakfast?

Check.

Googling the screen name you used in AOL chat rooms circa 1998?

Check.

Anyway, we’ve also got construction news on top of construction news this week. The only thing more Vegas would be Elvis dressed as a showgirl who’s snapping photos of Prince Harry while he’s doing a naked Cirque du Soleil routine in the back of a long-hauling taxi.

Randy writes: Part of the reasoning for creating the express lanes on I-15 was to get the big rigs that are passing through out of the way of the merging traffic in the right lanes. As a former truck driver, I wholeheartedly agree with this concept. However, it seems that most truckers don’t realize that it is OK for them to use the lanes. There is a cheap and simple fix for this. Install signs over the right express lane that state “TRUCKS OK.” Has NDOT ever considered such signage?

Not going to happen, Randy. Here’s why: Word Spaghetti.

I liked Randy’s idea when I first read his question. Of course we should tell the truckers it’s OK for them to use the Fancy Lanes.

But then my wife was asking me about the rules for the HOV lanes. I said they should put up more signs.

“There are already too many signs,” she said, thereby proving that women are the smarter species.

Here’s Damon Hodge from the Nevada Department of Transportation on the issue: “We have no plans to add signs to encourage trucks to use the express lanes. They are not excluded and are free to use them. We prefer to keep signing to a minimum; the signs would just add to the amount of information clutter that drivers have to process and wouldn’t provide a real benefit.”

Marilyn writes: While construction was going on for the HOV flyover eastbound on Summerlin Parkway the speed limit was reduced to 55 mph east of Rampart Boulevard. Since the construction was finished, the barrels were removed but the 55 mph speed limit signs remain. Any rational explanation for this?

It was just an issue of the contractor getting things cleaned up, Marilyn. I drove the route this Tuesday morning and guess what? Voila. The signs were gone.

Andrea asks: What’s going on with the construction on Valley View Boulevard and Sunset Road? It seems they have completed the construction as far as putting in sewer or whatever, and it’s been over two months now and it looks like someone forget to finish the job. All they have to do is repave the southwest side of Valley View and then they can remove all of the barrels, but nothing is happening. What is the holdup?

This here’s a big project, Andrea. It started way back in August 2011. It might look like it’s done, but Dan Kulin, a spokesman for Clark County, said it’s got a few months to go.

It includes constructing Sunset between Decatur and Valley View, which will feature an underpass at the railroad crossing. There’s also structural stuff having to do with the bridge, retaining walls, drainage, signage, a new traffic signal at Sunset Road and Arville Street – all the things you would expect with a major road project.

It should be finished by spring 2013, Kulin said.

Holly asks: Any clue when West Cactus Avenue will be connected from Torrey Pines Drive to Rainbow Boulevard? There has been a huge pile of dirt resembling a ramp/overpass on both sides of the railroad tracks for to least four years now. I am sure the Mountains Edge folks would like to know as would I. Thanks!

You’re welcome!

A couple of people have asked about this, so I drove out there Tuesday. Wow, y’all live at the edge of town. I needed a refill on the old Diet Coke just to make it there without dehydrating.

And Holly is right. That massive dirt ramp to nowhere is just sitting there, as if it’s mocking you.

Kulin said the design is in the final stages for the project, which will take Cactus over the railroad tracks.

He said the county will probably start advertising for a contractor by the end of this year. Construction should start by mid-2013.

Improving Cactus from the overpass to Valley View is also under design. Construction on that one should also start next year.

Scott asks: Do you know if you are allowed to walk on Summerlin Parkway between Rampart and Buffalo?

Scott, Scott, Scott. I do know the answer to this one, but I’m going to give you a lecture before I tell you what it is.

You, nor anyone else, can walk on the freeway.

Dude.

Seriously.

This is the freeway.

Cars drive really fast on the freeway. There are no stoplights, no crosswalks, no benches under a shade tree to rest your weary feet.

No. No. No.

And anyway, it’s totally illegal.

Listen to Nevada Highway Patrol trooper Loy Hixson here.

“Because it is designated a controlled access highway, it is illegal for a pedestrian to be walking on Summerlin Parkway,” he said in an email.

My advice: Take Vegas Drive. I know it’s not convenient – this town hates pedestrians – but it’s all you have. That, and your life.

Send questions and comments to roadwarrior@reviewjournal.com.