Long-delayed gas station project finally shows progress after nearly two years of lane closures
Residents and commuters in North Las Vegas are seeing the first signs of real progress at a gas station construction site that has blocked traffic lanes for nearly two years at the intersection of Martin Luther King Boulevard and Alexander Road.
Construction activity resumes after months of stagnation
After extended periods where traffic cones and fencing stood with no visible work being done, contractors have returned to the site this week. Construction crews are now actively laying concrete and installing new sidewalks at the long-stalled project.
The prolonged delays have frustrated local residents who have dealt with reduced lanes on both MLK Boulevard and Alexander Road since the project began. Rodney Goings, a nearby resident who frequently travels through the intersection, expressed his frustration with the ongoing traffic impacts.
“When I’m coming up here and they got one lane, that’s just a pain in the butt,” Goings said, noting that the lane reductions slow down traffic and extend commute times for area residents.
City cites contractor issues for delays
The City of North Las Vegas has provided limited explanations for the extended construction timeline. Initially, city officials told local media in early July that the project had “stalled due to actions of the adjacent property owner.”
However, after multiple requests for clarification, the city provided an updated statement indicating the delays stemmed from contractor issues. “According to the developer, he has had issues with the subcontractors and had to retain new ones,” the city stated.
Timeline for completion remains uncertain
Jose Turcios, project manager for the contractor currently laying concrete at the site, offered some insight into the remaining work. While his crew expects to complete the sidewalk installation within approximately three weeks, he cautioned that lane closures will continue beyond that timeframe.
According to Turcios, once the concrete work is finished, another contractor will need to complete the road’s asphalt work. He estimates this could take an additional two weeks after that contractor begins work.
“I would say that the owner is desperate to get it open, and obviously, he can’t open until we get this all completed,” Turcios said, suggesting urgency to finish the long-delayed project.
Project highlights broader construction challenges
The MLK and Alexander gas station project represents a broader pattern of construction delays affecting North Las Vegas and the greater Las Vegas area. While major Nevada Department of Transportation projects on I-15 and I-215 have clear timelines and regular updates, smaller commercial construction projects often face less oversight and accountability.
For residents like Goings who have endured nearly 24 months of traffic disruptions for what should be a straightforward gas station construction project, the recent activity offers hope that the end may finally be in sight. However, with no firm completion date and a history of delays, many remain skeptical about when the traffic cones will finally disappear for good.
Image Sources: https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/north-las-vegas-gas-station-002928218.html
Category: Local News
Subcategory: Transportation & Infrastructure
Date: 08/01/2025
