215 Beltway reopens after blowing construction debris forces shutdown

By Ricardo Torres-Cortez

Published Friday, Dec. 16, 2016 | 11:34 a.m.

Updated Friday, Dec. 16, 2016 | 4:17 p.m.

High winds on the 215 Beltway forced officials to close the freeway in both directions for more than three hours today from the airport to the Las Vegas Boulevard exits.

The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada warned of extremely long delays and recommended motorist use other routes. The freeway was closed from about 11:15 a.m. to 3 p.m., according to the RTC.

Traffic, which was at a standstill for several miles, was diverted during the closure at the Airport Connector, said Trooper Jason Buratczuk, a spokesman for the Nevada Highway Patrol.

The wind was blowing construction debris, such as wood and castings, from the flyover bridge construction project, Buratczuk said. “Obviously we don’t want any of that falling on people’s cars and injuring people,” he said.

Clark County spokesman Dan Kulin said there were no reports of debris falling from the project to the roadway.

In a statement Kulin said that officials had decided to shut down the road in an "abundance of caution" after the wind moved plywood panels, which make up a walkway for workers. Additionally, the gusts broke supports and straps intended to hold the panels together, he said.

Officials will further review what occurred so it doesn't again happen, Kulin said.

A high-wind warning was in effect until midnight, with sustained winds of 25 to 35 mph and gusts from 45 to 60 mph, weather service meteorologist Jim Harrison said.