$33M, 20-mile U.S. 95 upgrade south of Las Vegas deemed complete

Work wrapped up this week on a $33 million, nine-month, 20-mile upgrade of U.S. Highway 95 south of the Las Vegas Valley.

The U.S. 95 improvements included preserving pavement, enhancing drainage and adding wildlife crossings, in the project that kicked off in March. The project was a federally funded, according to NDOT spokeswoman Kelsey McFarland.

Key project highlights include:

-Milling and paving the entire project area, to improve the quality and extend the life of the roadway.

-The installation of new signage and adding pavement striping for increased visibility and guidance.

-Hydraulic and drainage upgrades to improve roadway performance.

-The repair of fencing and the installation of tortoise fencing to help protect area wildlife.

-The conversion of 13 existing culverts into wildlife crossings to allow safe travel under the highway.

-Adding tortoise turnarounds and restoring habitat connectivity aimed at reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions.

The project elements aimed at increasing the safety and connectivity of Mojave Desert wildlife, including the endangered Mojave Desert Tortoise.

“By combining infrastructure preservation with environmental stewardship, NDOT continues to keep Nevada safe and connected while protecting the natural resources that make the state unique,” McFarland said in a statement.