A major road improvement project is coming to Martin L. King Boulevard extending from approximately Discovery Drive to Carey Avenue. The project to widen 2.5 miles of Martin L. King Boulevard is starting the week of March 3 and will take nearly two years to complete.

Mayor Oscar B. Goodman, Ward 5 Councilman Ricki Y. Barlow and other officials plan to celebrate the beginning of construction on the $45 million Martin L. King Boulevard Improvement Project at 1 p.m. on Thursday, February 28. The ceremonial groundbreaking event is taking place on the northwest corner of Martin L. King Boulevard at Mount Mariah Drive.

“With the start of this project we are taking a significant step in improving traffic flow in downtown Las Vegas,” Mayor Goodman said. “The work is tedious and will take a long time to complete but it will be well worth the wait.”

Councilman Barlow, who represents the ward where the improvement project is located, added, “Flourishing business activity and growth is causing traffic in this area to increase. When the work is completed, this section of Martin L. King Boulevard will be widened to three northbound and three southbound traffic lanes.”

Road improvements also include extensive utility relocation and the installation of curb, gutter, sidewalk and sidewalk ramps, storm drainage facilities, landscaped median islands and street lighting. New traffic signals will be constructed at the Martin L. King Boulevard and Discovery Drive intersection. Traffic signals at Bonanza Road, Washington Avenue, Vegas Drive, Lake Mead Boulevard and Carey Avenue will be upgraded.

Work is scheduled to start the week of March 3. Construction activity can be expected along all sections of Martin L. King Boulevard for the duration of the project.

Most work will take place weekdays during the daytime hours and two travel lanes in each direction will remain open. As work progresses, night and weekend work may be necessary and Martin L. King Boulevard may narrow to one travel lane in each direction in the overnight hours. Pedestrian access to businesses will be maintained.

The Martin L. King Boulevard Improvement Project is slated for completion by the end of 2009. Wells Cargo is the contractor. The Public Works Department is managing the project. Funding is provided by the Regional Transportation Commission and the city of Las Vegas.

Who:            Mayor Oscar B. Goodman, Councilman Ricki Y. Barlow and other officials

What:          Celebrate the start of the Martin L. King Boulevard Improvement Project

When:          1 p.m., Thursday, February 28

Where:        Northwest corner of Martin L. King Boulevard at Mount Mariah Drive