NDOT Painful Dropicana Demolition Event Starts on January 17

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NDOT is preparing to start Phase 2 of the I-15 Tropicana interchange project. They are dubbing this event, Dropicana.

NDOT - Tropicana Interchange — NDOT – The Future Tropicana Interchange

The most impactful portion of Phase 2 will be an 8-day demolition event that will include the demolition of three bridges:

the I-15 SB flyover ramp to Tropicana eastbound
the Tropicana bridge over Frank Sinatra
the Tropicana bridge over I-15

When is Dropicana?

Beginning January 17, 2023, the I-15 southbound off ramps to Tropicana both ways will be closed. The ramp to westbound Tropicana will be closed for about 9 months, and the flyover ramp to eastbound Tropicana will remain closed for approximately 18 months.

Dropicana Events:

Flyover demo prep activities – January 17-21, 2023
Demo of I-15 Southbound flyover ramp to Tropicana Eastbound – January 22-24, 2023
Demo of Tropicana Bridge over Frank Sinatra Dr – January 24-26, 2023
Demo of Tropicana Bridge over I-15 – January 27-30, 2023

For facts sheets and more information, visit their website.

These demos will result in closures of Tropicana, the I-15 ramps that access Tropicana, and a closure of I-15 itself for two days. So, if you use Tropicana AT ALL, please make sure to take an alternate route.

The Tropicana Avenue bridge over I-15 will be reconstructed to accommodate four lanes in each direction with lanes also added to on- and off-ramps. The bridge height will be raised, and the bridge will also be lengthened to accommodate future I-15 widening.

Dean Martin Drive will be realigned so that the arterial will run under Tropicana Avenue, improving traffic flow. An HOV half-interchange on the south side of Harmon Avenue will enhance ingress and egress to and from the resort corridor.

Active Traffic Management signs will be installed on I-15 between Warm Springs and Flamingo roads in addition to that stretch of highway undergoing pavement rehabilitation.

NDOT - Tropicana Fact Sheet — NDOT – Tropicana Fact Sheet

Tropicana Avenue expanded from three lanes to four in both directions between Las Vegas Blvd and Polaris Ave. New Tropicana bridge over I-15
Reconstructed flyover from southbound I-15 to eastbound Tropicana
Left-turning lanes from Tropicana to I-15 southbound increased from two lanes to three
New High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) half-interchange on the south side of Harmon Avenue
Collector-distributor entrance to northbound I-15 expanded from one lane to two
New Dean Martin Drive alignment under Tropicana for improved traffic flow
Slip ramp to Arena Drive increased from one lane to two Active Traffic Management (ATM) signs on I-15 between Warm Springs and Flamingo roads
Signal improvements, including retro-reflective black plates and advanced vehicle detector loops, at 12 intersections I-15 pavement rehabilitation between Warm Springs and Flamingo roads, including I-215 ramps
New pedestrian walkway between Tropicana and Arena Drive
Pedestrian staircase between Tropicana and Dean Martin Drive
Ten-foot-wide sidewalks in both directions on Tropicana Landscaping and aesthetics within the new Tropicana
interchange area

The I-15 Tropicana Project

Located at the heart of the resort corridor, the I-15/Tropicana Avenue interchange serves as the gateway to the Las Vegas Strip. The combination of new resorts and professional sports has attracted more visitors to the city, drawing as many as 300,000 motorists on major holiday weekends. The widening of the Tropicana interchange will add capacity, improve accessibility to the Strip and allow for the future widening of 1-15 as the population continues to grow.

About NDOT

NDOT was established in 1917 under the name of the Nevada Department of Highways. Until 1917, the state did not participate in any road improvements. The 1917 Legislature gave the state engineer general supervision of road work performed by convict labor. An appropriation of $20,000 was made, but the funds were quickly exhausted and all work ceased later that same year.

When the 1917 Legislature passed the State Highway Law, Nevada began an active roadway program, which has grown to approximately $600,000,000/per year of capital outlays to maintain and improve Nevada’s highways.

The department is responsible for the planning, construction, operation, and maintenance of the 5,400 miles of highway and over 1,000 bridges that make up the state highway system. The department is divided into three districts, with a district engineer and assistant engineers in each.

The districts supervise all state transportation activities within their local areas. NDOT’s headquarters building is in Carson City, with the three main district offices in Las Vegas, Reno, and Elko. Major maintenance stations are in Ely, Tonopah, and Winnemucca. NDOT is overseen by a seven-member Board of Directors and directed by Executive Staff.

Transportation no longer means highways alone, but rather an integration of travel by rail, bike, air, or bus. The department also oversees various allied projects from the Adopt-a-Highway program to the maintenance of State Historical Markers.

Take a trip down memory lane and read more about the history of the department.