Planned third lane expected to ease I-15 congestion between California and Nevada

LAS VEGAS— On busy travel weekends, Interstate-15 traffic congestion at the Nevada-California border can lead to miles-long backups and hours-long delays. Gov. Steve Sisolak and California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sunday announced plans to provide relief to drivers traveling that five-mile stretch with a temporary expansion of lanes starting at the state line.

“This five-mile stretch of highway is a critical piece of infrastructure for not only our two states, but for the whole country. However, the hours of traffic deters tourism and goods movement,” said Gov. Newsom.

The traffic is caused by a narrowing of lanes, from three to two, leading up to the California Department of Food and Agriculture Agricultural Station.

Officials said they hope to relieve the bottleneck by repaving and restriping the shoulder to create a temporary third lane until a more permanent solution can be achieved.

California State Highway Account funds—about $12 million—will be used start the project. Work is scheduled to begin in mid-spring 2022 and be completed by the end of summer.