Mayor Oscar B. Goodman, Ward 5 Councilman Lawrence Weekly and other officials plan to celebrate the start of construction on the $5.5 million Fremont East Entertainment District Improvement Project at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, January 22. The event is taking place on Fremont Street, between Las Vegas Boulevard and Sixth Street.

“With the start of this project we are taking an exciting, visible step in redeveloping downtown Las Vegas,” Mayor Goodman said. “I applaud Fremont Street business owners for joining us and sharing our vision.”

Councilman Weekly, who represents the ward where the project is located, added, “The history, the celebrities and the neon of Las Vegas will all be showcased with this unique project. This is an important project for downtown and for the Las Vegas community.”

The Fremont East Entertainment District Improvement Project includes construction of a new Fremont Street featuring three blocks of streetscape between Las Vegas Boulevard and Eighth Street. Neon lighted gateways, neon elements placed in new median islands, decorative signage, expanded sidewalks, landscaping, lighting, banners and bronze medallions embedded in the sidewalks, make up this project to be managed by the city of Las Vegas Department of Public Works.

Work will start Monday, January 22, and will take approximately six months to complete. Most work will take place weekdays during daytime hours. As work progresses, some night and weekend work may be necessary. During the construction, one travel lane for one-way traffic will remain open. Pedestrian access to businesses will be maintained.

The Fremont East Entertainment District Improvement Project is slated for completion in early August. Funding is provided by the city of Las Vegas, city of Las Vegas special improvement district assessments, and the Nevada Department of Transportation Stewardship Program. The contractor is Las Vegas Paving.

WHO:    Mayor Oscar B. Goodman, Councilman Lawrence Weekly and other officials

WHAT:  Celebrate the start of the Fremont East Entertainment District improvement project

WHEN:   9:30 a.m., Monday, January 22

WHERE:  Fremont Street between Las Vegas Boulevard and Sixth Street

Editor’s Note:  Parking is available at the El Cortez Hotel parking garage or valet parking. Both areas are north of Fremont Street. Valet parking is accessible via Sixth Street. The parking garages are located on Seventh Street.