Race fans urged to use alternative routes Saturday

By Mary Manning

Friday, Sept. 19, 2008 | 7:20 a.m.

Race officials and the Nevada Department of Transportation recommend three routes for race fans to avoid major Interstate 15 construction when they attend Saturday night's truck series at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Traffic restricted to two lanes on Interstate 15 from the U.S. 95 interchange to Lake Mead Boulevard prompted race and traffic officials to warn fans to leave home early and avoid the I-15/U.S. 95 interchange, known as the "spaghetti bowl."

The race is set to start at 6:30 p.m. Saturday and gates will open at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway at 3 p.m.

Fans driving from Summerlin, Centennial Hills and other areas west and north of Las Vegas are asked to use the 215 Beltway to I-15 North.

Race fans coming from Henderson or areas east of Las Vegas should use Nellis Boulevard to Las Vegas Boulevard North.

Fans coming from the Las Vegas Strip or downtown should use I-15 northbound.

Race fans traveling north on U.S. 95 are reminded that, as a result of the I-15 restrictions, there is no exit onto I-15 northbound. Those fans should take Nellis Boulevard to Las Vegas Boulevard North.

"This is a very popular event for local race fans, and that should help in the vehicle flow for this event," said Chris Powell, general manager of the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Powell urged fans to take the suggested alternative routes.

The speedway is also encouraging fans to use Regional Transportation Commission buses, departing from the Downtown Transportation Center to a stop at Craig Road and Nellis Boulevard. Fans then can transfer to a dedicated bus to the speedway.

More information is available on the Web sites for the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Interstate 15 Project and Regional Transportation Commission, or call RTC's bus customer service at 228-7433.