The city of Las Vegas plans to begin work on a $4.7 million project to install trail improvements and three pedestrian bridges throughout the city. Construction is scheduled to start Monday, June 7, and will take approximately 12 months to complete.

Funding for the improvements is provided by the Bureau of Land Management through the sale of public lands as authorized by the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act. This act allows money from Nevada federal land sales to be used in the state for park and trail projects.

Part of this project will include construction of a 12-foot-wide concrete trail segment within the west side of the Buffalo flood control channel, between Vegas Drive and Lake Mead Boulevard, in Wards 1 and 4. This segment will complete the Lone Mountain Trail from Washington Avenue, which will extend 3.5 miles north, to Alexander Road. The trail segment will be enhanced with lighting and a five-foot-tall decorative wrought iron fence adjacent to the channel. Additionally, approximately 600 feet of six-foot-wide concrete trail section will be constructed north of Cheyenne Avenue. Lighting and fencing will also be included in this segment.

“The Lone Mountain Trail has been planned for many years and has been a work in progress,” said Ward 1 Councilwoman Lois Tarkanian. “With this final phase of construction, we will have a beautiful trail for residents in the northwest part of the city to enjoy.”

Councilman Stavros S. Anthony, who represents this area of Ward 4, added, “This project will definitely promote healthy lifestyle choices. It includes the installation of two pedestrian bridges, which will create trail continuity for pedestrians and bicyclists across Lake Mead Boulevard and Cheyenne Avenue.”

In downtown Las Vegas, a pedestrian bridge will be constructed across Las Vegas Boulevard in the heart of the Cultural Corridor between the Lied Discovery Children’s Museum/Las Vegas Library and the Las Vegas Natural History Museum. This bridge will showcase an artistic element designed by David Griggs, consisting of light emitting diodes (LED) lights.

“This unique, neon-themed bridge will provide pedestrian connectivity to southern Nevada’s concentration of cultural institutions,” said Councilman Ricki Y. Barlow, who represents this area of Ward 5. “This project will also further enhance our efforts to make Las Vegas Boulevard South an iconic boulevard for residents and tourists alike.”

Most of the construction will take place during the daytime hours with minimal traffic disruptions. Some temporary traffic lane restrictions will occur on Cheyenne Avenue, Lake Mead Boulevard and Las Vegas Boulevard during the overnight hours when the pedestrian bridges are placed.

The contractor is Martin-Harris Construction. Parsons is providing construction management services. The city’s Public Works Department is managing the project.