Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

New exit ramp from I-515 to 215 Beltway features extra lane

A new exit ramp intended to improve the flow of traffic on southbound U.S. 95/Interstate 515 connecting with the 215 Beltway opened Tuesday morning, providing Henderson drivers an expanded, more fluid exit onto the beltway.

The $575,406 project, which began on Oct. 21, combined the exit ramp with the Lake Mead Parkway exit under the Auto Show Drive bridge. Instead of one lane, drivers will now have two lanes to exit before approaching a fork where they can choose between taking the 215 Beltway westbound.

Nevada Department of Transportation spokesman Tony Illia said the agency is expecting brief traffic delays over the first few days of operation as drivers adjust to the change. He added that traffic in the area will eventually speed up as drivers adjust.

The changes were made in response to growing delays during peak-hour traffic at the exits, Illia said. Signs were placed in front of the new off-ramp, and a mile north, half-mile north and quarter-mile north to advise drivers of the new exit.

Las Vegas engineer Mario Ruiz was one of the thousands of motorists to pass through the new exit on Tuesday and Wednesday. Like many, he overshot it the first time, thinking the exit ramp was in its previous location just north of the new exit ramp. Drivers making that mistake had to exit on Horizon Ridge Parkway, more than two miles south, before turning around.

“It just took that one time,” said Ruiz, 29. “I don’t think I’ll forget it again.”