Laughlin’s Casino Drive Rehab Planned

Clark County Plans Multi-Million Dollar Improvements, Property Owners Mull Over Sharing In Beautification Project

          Two projects involving Casino Drive, a rehabilitation project and a proposed enhancement project, are aimed at improving the safety, attractiveness and “curb appeal” of the township. Casino Drive from the Laughlin Bridge at Nevada State Highway 163 to just south of Harrah’s Laughlin is the main segment of roadway targeted in both projects.

According to Clark County Public Works officials, the rehabilitation project has been “very inclusive and thorough” during the last two years of planning and design.

“The project is approximately 2.25 miles in length and includes pavement rehabilitation and reconstruction, selected traffic signal modifications and installation of a portion of a traffic interconnect communication system,” explained Clark County Public Works Director Denis Cederburg. “The project also includes raised medians, new signing and striping and reconstruction of sidewalk ramps, if necessary.”

It is expected to cost $8.2 million without contingencies and construction is set to beginin late 2009. Public Works Principal Civil Engineer Roy Davis said contractors must schedule the rehab project in tandem with more than $3 million worth of water and wastewater improvements. His department has written specifications so that “contractors understand that construction must shut down and button up for the Laughlin River Run Motorcycle Rally in April and any other large special events.”

“It may be that the water line and sanitary work will occur on the south end of the job but would shut down during major events so paving would start in earnest after the April River Run,” Davis said. “Those utility improvements include rehabilitated pipes, manholes and the installation of a 42-inch water main.”

According to Tim McCoy of GC Wallace, the roadway design consultants, conduit, pull boxes and fiber optic cable will be installed along the new Casino Drive.

“We will tie Casino Drive into FAST, which is a surveillance system that is designed to both monitor and control traffic,” McCoy told property owners at a recent meeting in Laughlin. “One travel lane in each direction will always be maintained.”

McCoy said the rehab project is divided into two segments. The first segment is from Harrah’s Casino in Laughlin to the Colorado Belle Casino and the second segment will be from the Colorado Belle to the Laughlin Bridge. Total construction time is expected to last 240 days and the project is fully funded by tax dollars.

The beautification project proposes to enhance the road along the resort corridor. It is being considered by the 20-some property owners and stakeholders working toward a consensus for its funding. Collectively, they expect the road projectst to create a catalyst for a revitalized casino district in Laughlin.

To that end, most of the major Casino Drive property owners and Clark County shared in the costs of a landscape design study. It offers three levels of landscape improvements and enhancements to the major thoroughfare ranging from $2 million to $3 million. Options for minimal improvements, moderate improvements, and more intense levels of improvements are explored as well as options for a special improvement district formation to fund the project and its annual maintenance costs.

Local special improvement districts are generally formed to provide a source of funding for the construction and/or maintenance of eligible improvements within the district. State law allows the sale of bonds to finance the costs of these new facilities with property owners within the district being assessed for their benefited share of the improvements.

“The leaders of this project understand the roadway is often the first impression and image given to our residents, visitors and future businesses looking to expand into the community,” she said. “The report offers a design analysis, opportunities and constraints and consideration for the citizen and user. Grant opportunities to help offset costs are also being explored.”

Clark County is installing raised medians during the road reconstruction in anticipation of the Casino Drive Enhancement Project. So the needed water and power infrastructure will already be in place.

“To date, several stakeholders have demonstrated cohesiveness in connecting themes along the main roadway and creating a dynamic pedestrian and vehicular experience,” Davis said. “Connections to the future North Reach Heritage Greenway Trail project beginning next year north of the bridge and also connections to our Laughlin Riverwalk have been goals of the Enhancement project.”