The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) in the US has broken ground on a $78m widening and upgrade project to a six-mile long stretch of US Highway 95 situated between Ann and Kyle Canyon roads.

Located in north-west Las Vegas, the project is expected to reduce traffic congestion and increase road capacity in the region.

Las Vegas Paving has been selected as the general contractor for the project under a low bid construction contract valued at $64.6m.

NDOT director Rudy Malfabon said: “This project will relieve congestion, improve efficiency and enhance safety in fast growing north-west Las Vegas, while providing capacity for future growth and development.

“Currently, over 52,000 vehicles daily travel through this corridor; however, traffic is expected to more than double over the next two decades.”

“This project will relieve congestion, improve efficiency and enhance safety in fast growing north-west Las Vegas, while providing capacity for future growth and development.”

The scope of the project includes the expansion of the highway from four to six lanes between Durango Drive and Kyle Canyon Road, construction of Elkhorn Road carpool access ramps and a diverging diamond interchange at Kyle Canyon Road.

Furthermore, the project encompasses installation of signage and lighting, intelligent transportation systems (ITS), around nine miles of barrier rail and placement of decorative rock.

It will also deploy 11,200ft of concrete box storm drainage and 400ft of open channel between the Centennial Bowl and Grand Teton Drive for the Clark County Regional Flood Control District.

Clark County commissioner Larry Brown said: “This project helps create a reliable transportation network that enhances cultural and economic access in the north-west valley. It establishes a new visual gateway corridor into Mt. Charleston.”

The project, expected to be completed in the next year, will be financed by a combination of federal, state and local funds.