Frequently Asked Questions
What is the I-11 SafeTech Corridor Project?
The I-11 SafeTech Corridor Project is an intelligent transportation systems (ITS) initiative led by the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) and Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) that is focused on improving traffic operations, congestion management, and roadway safety along approximately five miles of I-11/U.S. 95 between Summerlin Parkway and the Spaghetti Bowl interchange. The project includes advanced traffic management technology, wrong-way driver detection systems, traffic monitoring infrastructure, and future Active Traffic Management (ATM) capabilities.
Why is this project needed?
The I-11/U.S. 95 corridor is one of the busiest and most heavily traveled roadways in Southern Nevada. Increasing traffic volumes, congestion, and incident response demands create a need for improved traffic monitoring and real-time traffic management tools.
The project is intended to:
- Improve roadway safety
- Reduce congestion impacts
- Enhance incident response coordination
- Provide better real-time information to drivers
- Support future transportation technology improvements in Southern Nevada
What is Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)?
Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) use advanced technology to improve how transportation systems operate.
ITS technologies may include:
- Traffic cameras
- Electronic roadway signs
- Real-time traffic monitoring
- Wrong-way driver detection systems
- Travel time systems
- Active Traffic Management systems
These tools help transportation agencies monitor traffic conditions, respond to incidents more quickly, and improve roadway safety and operations.
What is Active Traffic Management (ATM)?
Active Traffic Management (ATM) uses electronic roadway signs and real-time traffic information to help improve traffic flow and safety.
ATM systems may provide:
- Variable speed messaging
- Lane use information
- Incident warnings
- Congestion alerts
- Traffic condition messaging
The system is designed to help drivers make safer and more informed decisions while traveling through the corridor.
What are ATM gantries?
ATM gantries are overhead structures installed above the roadway that support electronic traffic management signs.
The I-11 SafeTech Corridor Project includes:
- Two larger Type 1 gantries
- Five smaller Type 2 gantries
These structures are designed to display real-time roadway information to motorists.
Why will the ATM gantries be installed later?
ATM gantries require specialized manufacturing and equipment that involve extended production and delivery timelines.
While general construction activities are anticipated to be substantially complete in early 2027, crews are expected to return in the first quarter of 2028 to complete gantry installation activities.
Manufacturing and delivery lead times for the gantries are estimated at approximately 40 to 50 weeks.
What are Wrong-Way Driver Alert Systems?
Wrong-Way Driver Alert Systems are safety technologies designed to detect vehicles entering freeway ramps in the wrong direction.
When a wrong-way event is detected, the system can:
- Alert the regional Traffic Management Center (TMC)
- Provide real-time video feeds
- Support coordination with law enforcement and emergency responders
- Activate warning messages for motorists, where applicable
The project includes 12 wrong-way driver alert system installations throughout the corridor.
Where will Wrong-Way Driver Alert Systems be installed?
Planned locations include:
- Martin Luther King Boulevard
- Rancho Drive
- Valley View Boulevard
- Decatur Boulevard
- Jones Boulevard
- Rainbow Boulevard
Each location includes two wrong-way driver alert system installations for enhanced detection coverage.
Who monitors the Wrong-Way Driver systems?
Wrong-way driver alerts are monitored through the regional Traffic Management Center (TMC), which is jointly staffed by:
- RTC/FAST
- NDOT
- Nevada State Police Dispatch
TMC staff can verify alerts, monitor traffic cameras, notify emergency responders, and coordinate incident response activities.
Will the systems be active immediately after construction?
Not necessarily.
Following installation, the systems require testing, calibration, and integration into the regional ITS network. This process may take weeks or months after construction activities are completed.
Systems will become fully operational only after testing and verification are complete.
What are Strategic Traffic Management Sites?
Strategic Traffic Management Sites are elevated roadway pull-out areas designed to support:
- Incident management
- Traffic monitoring
- Law enforcement operations
- Special event traffic management
- Emergency response coordination
Two sites are planned along the corridor:
- East of Jones Boulevard
- East of Valley View Boulevard near Springs Preserve
How will this project improve safety?
The project is designed to improve roadway safety through:
- Faster incident detection
- Enhanced driver warnings and messaging
- Wrong-way driver detection technology
- Improved traffic monitoring capabilities
- Better coordination between transportation agencies and emergency responders
These improvements are intended to help reduce crashes, improve emergency response times, and provide safer travel conditions along the corridor.
Will construction impact traffic?
Yes. Motorists should expect traffic impacts during construction activities.
Planned impacts may include:
- 24-hour HOV lane restrictions in both directions of I-11
- HOV lane closures between Rancho Drive and Rainbow Boulevard
- Additional lane restrictions during construction activities
Construction schedules and traffic impacts are subject to change.
When will construction begin?
Construction is anticipated to begin on June 1, 2026.
When will the project be completed?
Substantial construction completion is anticipated in the first quarter of 2027.
ATM gantry installation is anticipated in the first quarter of 2028 due to manufacturing and delivery lead times.
How much does the project cost?
The total estimated project cost is approximately $22 million.
The project is funded through a combination of federal, state, regional, and local transportation funding sources.
What agencies are involved in the project?
The project involves coordination between several regional transportation and public safety partners, including:
- Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT)
- RTC of Southern Nevada / FAST
- Nevada State Police
- Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
- U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT)
Will there be future technology improvements along this corridor?
Yes. The I-11 SafeTech Corridor Project is intended to support future transportation technology and Active Traffic Management strategies in Southern Nevada.
The project creates infrastructure that can support future operational improvements, expanded ITS capabilities, and evolving traffic management technologies.
How can I stay informed about the project?
Project updates, construction information, traffic impacts, and future announcements will be shared through the project website and partner agency communication channels.
Website visitors are encouraged to:
- Sign up for project updates
- View the interactive project map
- Check traffic impact updates regularly
- Follow NDOT and RTC social media channels for additional information