Influx of Las Vegas visitors for Labor Day weekend means crowded roadways

By Mick Akers

Friday, Sept. 1, 2017 | 2 a.m.

As people celebrate the unofficial end of summer, the Las Vegas Valley will see more than 324,000 visitors for Labor Day weekend, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA).

Hotel occupancy will be 96 percent, LVCVA officials said, with the estimated direct visitor spending of $249.7 million, both a 0.3 percent increase of 2016.

Of those travelers, 60 percent — or 180,000 — will be driving, according to the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT).

“We anticipate heavy traffic during the holiday weekend, especially along Interstate 15 and the resort corridor,” NDOT spokesman Tony Illia said. “Accordingly, we encourage people to drive safely and allow additional travel time to reach their destination.

The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) traffic management center advises drivers to expect increased traffic volumes on I-15 southbound at Primm on Monday. The heaviest time will be from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; increased delays of up to 70 minutes are expected from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

NDOT encourages motorists to download Waze, a free app that uses real-time traffic and road information, to plan their commute. The RTC provides construction, crash and road-closure data to Waze to keep motorists up-to-date on driving conditions.

Despite Hurricane Harvey disrupting refinery production in Texas, gasoline prices in Southern California aren’t expected to be affected.

“Southern California does not receive any supply from those Gulf Coast refineries, so the effect on local prices is unlikely to be major,” AAA spokesman Doug Shupe said. “The statewide average (as of Tuesday) is $3 per gallon for regular unleaded … A week ago at this time, it was $2.98.”

There could be a slight jump in prices because of increased demand associated with the Labor Day holiday, he said.

“This is going to be a very busy travel weekend,” Shupe said. “We saw record-breaking travel on Memorial Day and record-breaking numbers over the Fourth of July. All indications are this will be another big travel weekend.”

In a poll of AAA members, Las Vegas was the No. 1 Labor Day travel destination for motorists in Southern California.

McCarran International Airport officials are expecting to see more than 509,000 passengers go through its facility Friday through Monday.

The reopening of George Bush Intercontinental Airport and William P. Hobby Airport in Houston on Wednesday could have an effect on McCarran’s volume.

“That would mean we could have more outbound traffic than usual come Friday and Saturday,” McCarran spokeswoman Christine Crews said. “Typically Saturday is kind of a slower day, but we are anticipating we will see more outbound traffic.We are making sure we have appropriate staffing levels in response to airlines being able to get their operations back up again and get people back home to Houston.”

Staying safe

NDOT encourages motorists to stay alert and minimize distractions while driving.

“Don’t drive impaired, obey posted speed limits, and don’t text and drive,” Illia said. “Slow your roll, and arrive alive.”

Lyft Las Vegas and Metro Police joined forces to offer $8,000 to provide safe rides for Labor Day weekend.

“The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department will not tolerate impaired driving, especially with services like Lyft,” Metro Sgt. Jeff Clark said. “Celebrate responsibly and keep our city safe and DUI-free.”

Beginning today and running through 11:59 p.m Monday, Las Vegas Lyft users can use the code “LDW17” to receive up to $5 off two rides, as long as the $8,000 lasts.

Uber is also offering a Labor Day promotion for riders taking their first trip from McCarran to the Strip. Using the promo code “LVFUN,” riders can receive 50 percent off their first two trips.

After taking their first trip, riders must opt into the promotion through an email they will receive. The 50 percent discount is auto-applied after they've opted in and completed the first two trips.

The RTC will run on a Sunday schedule on Monday to handle the expected increase in ridership for Labor Day.

Las Vegas residents heading to another city for Labor Day can park one of the many park-and-ride facilities across the valley and use RTC transit to McCarran.

The RTC reminds rider in the hot weather to stay hydrated, use sunscreen and wear lightweight clothing. Passengers are encouraged to download the rideRTC’s app to purchase passes, plan routes and limit their wait time.