KSNV: State and local leaders celebrate grand opening of I-15, Tropicana interchange

LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — A celebration is underway for the opening of a major interchange that was closed to drivers for years in Las Vegas.

Governor Joe Lombardo, Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, Congresswoman Susie Lee, and other local leaders are coming together on Tuesday for the grand opening of the new I-15 and Tropicana interchange. Located in the heart of the resort corridor, the I-15/Tropicana Avenue interchange serves as a gateway to the Las Vegas Strip. It moves thousands of locals, visitors, and freight vehicles daily.

Congresswoman Lee says it was all made possible thanks to federal funding. "The I-15/Tropicana Interchange will get more people to where they need to go more safely, more efficiently, and more reliably,” said Congresswoman Lee. “With our world-class entertainment and sports, Las Vegas leads the way for innovation. Thanks to the money we secured from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, I’m looking forward to the other transformational projects to improve visitor experiences and help southern Nevadans travel safely between school, work, and home."

The project, deemed "Dropicana", caused traffic headaches for local drivers since it began at the start of 2023 year. The goal was to replace the original Tropicana interchange bridge, which did not meet federal standards, and expand lanes on Tropicana Avenue to improve traffic for both residents and visitors near the Las Vegas Strip. The interchange did not fully reopen until May of this year.