Construction Begins Monday, Aug. 25 on State Route 159 Near Red Rock Canyon
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LAS VEGAS –On Monday, August 25, 2014, construction will begin adjacent to State Route 159 on a buried electrical service connection for a ranger station, fire station, and campground serving the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. The work zone extends 1.8 miles along the south side of SR‑159, beginning at the intersection of Sky Vista Drive and ending at the intersection of Moenkopi Road. Temporary construction warning signs and barriers are currently in place to warn motorists and protect workers. Both travel lanes will remain open during construction and the speed limit will remain at 50 mph. The existing 8-foot wide paved shoulder along the south side of SR-159 will be temporarily reduced to 6 feet where the protective barrier is in place. Night work to move the barriers will only be done between 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. and temporary traffic delays during these times should be expected. Motorists are reminded to slow down and yield for bicyclists. Construction will be completed by September 30, 2014. The campground and Moenkopi Road will remain closed during construction.
The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area’s ranger station and fire station serves as the primary outpost and base of operations for emergency responders. The Red Rock Canyon Campground is utilized by approximately 55,000 local, national, and international visitors every year. The new electrical service connection will replace the battery backup systems at these facilities and significantly reduce operations and maintenance costs. The existing photovoltaic solar panels at these sites will remain and the surplus renewable solar energy will go into the grid. The campground will reopen to the public October 1, 2014.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.