LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Stewart Avenue has sidewalks that end in the bushes, intersection crossings without buttons, and bus stops with no shade—it’s a story the City of Las Vegas is looking to curb.
The second neighborhood meeting on the “Stewart Avenue Complete Streets Project” opened the door for more feedback from residents before the traffic cones arrive.
“This is such an important project to the city and to the community in general,” Nicole Melton, the city engineering project manager, said. “And when we do these public works projects that revitalize areas, we can spur economic development.”
Melton said the “why” was important to consider too, pointing to a number of traffic collisions.
“Between 2018 and 2022 there’s been 530 crashes along the corridor,” she said. “And I can’t say that all of those are attributed to speeding, but 3% of those have actually included pedestrian or bicyclist impact.”
Two months ago, a bicyclist was killed after being struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver along Stewart Avenue, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
The Stewart Avenue Complete Streets Project includes:
- Wider sidewalks and removal of sidewalk obstructions
- Buffer-separated bike lanes
- Community banners and lighting
- Street trees
- Bus stop enhancements
- Intersection technology improvements
The project has been awarded around $25 million in federal funding through a raise grant and earmarked congressional funds, according to the city presentation. The specific price tag is not yet known according to Melton.
“Right now the cost is a little hard to pin down,” she said.
The presentation showcased a variety of ways for residents to see the concept for the project: a VR headset, a “lego-esque” assembly set, and several poster boards.
“I like what I see,” Maria Prentice, a Las Vegas resident, said. “I like the fact that it’s going to service the community and the people with special needs.”
Prentice asked the city to do more for the intersection crossing times for residents who have special needs, which sometimes take more time to cross the street.
“I just stop with them, and I just walk along with them,” she said.
Others were asked to meet with city staff and review the project. Residents with more input and questions are asked to email the city at stewartavenue@lasvegasnevada.gov.
The project is due to start construction in 2027 and be completed in 2030.
