Las Vegas Valley traffic to boom with busy Fourth of July travelers

Droves of visitors are expected to make their way to the Las Vegas Valley to celebrate America’s 250th birthday over Fourth of July weekend.

With a large portion of holiday visitors historically coming from Southern California, the Regional Transportation Commission is urging drivers to prepare for heavier than normal traffic this weekend.

The peak hours of congestion on southbound Interstate 15 are expected between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Sunday, the day following Independence Day, the RTC said, based on historical trends.

“The RTC strongly advises drivers to avoid the I-15 southbound at the Nevada-California state line during this time,” the RTC said in a news release.

Of the 72.2 million Americans expected to travel at least 50 miles from home for Independence Day week, 61.4 million of them will travel by car, according to AAA.

“For many Americans, traveling the week of July 4th is tradition,” Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel, said in a statement. “The 9-day travel forecast includes travelers who are vacationing all week and people just getting away for the long holiday weekend. While the overall number of Independence Day travelers appears to be plateauing, we’re still expecting record volumes this year.”

Those planning on traveling between Southern Nevada and Southern California on I-15 are also encouraged to go when the temperature is cooler while traveling through the Mojave Desert. No matter when you plan to travel, officials recommend packing extra water to help reduce the stress of traveling during the summer heat in the event of a vehicle breakdown.

Safe rides

If your plans include indulging in alcohol or marijuana this weekend, revelers are asked to be smart and safe and use a designated driver or ride-hailing service, taxi or the RTC’s bus system.

“As we approach the holiday weekend, it’s important to remember that fatalities from impaired driving are entirely preventable,” said Anita Pepper, Nevada Department of Traffic Safety spokeswoman. “Plan ahead, choose a sober ride, or be the sober driver to help keep everyone across Nevada safe.”

Those looking to use Lyft during the holiday weekend can do so at a reduced price.

Between noon Saturday and 6 a.m. Sunday, Lyft riders can redeem $5 off a single ride by using the code SAFERIDEJULY4TH. The offer is available to 300 riders, with the code only redeemable once per user.

The RTC’s public bus service is also a way for those celebrating the holiday to move around the valley safely and cost efficiently. The majority of the RTC’s 39 bus routes feature 24-hour service and connect riders into neighborhoods throughout the valley and to the Strip. The RTC’s Deuce on the Strip service is a way for locals and visitors alike to travel through the resort corridor.

Airport rides

Locals looking to get out of town this weekend and plan to fly out of Harry Reid International Airport can make use of RTC park-and-ride alternatives to driving and parking at the airport.

Travelers can park for free for up to seven days at the South Strip Transit Terminal or the Centennial Hills Transit Center and ride to and from the airport on RTC buses.