The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) in the US has initiated $33.7m works at the Interstate 15 / Starr Avenue interchange in the unincorporated Clark County.

In order to reduce the traffic noise for the surrounding neighbours, the new interchange will travel beneath Interstate 15.

Henderson mayor Debra March said: “This interchange alleviates traffic along local streets as well as the southern Interstate 15 corridor while improving west Henderson access. It also enhances our transportation infrastructure network for greater, safer mobility.”

“The interchange provides new and improved freeway access for local businesses and residents.”

The project will see the construction of Starr Avenue between Las Vegas Boulevard to the east, and Dean Martin Drive to the west while building an Interstate 15 bridge over Starr Avenue.

The project will also include road improvements by adding sidewalks, crosswalks, bicycle lanes, lighting and traffic signals.

NDOT noted that the project will also involve new drought-tolerant landscaping, aesthetics and drainage upgrades, as well as southbound and northbound exits and entrances to and from the freeway.

NDOT director Rudy Malfabon said: “The interchange provides new and improved freeway access for local businesses and residents. It additionally improves safety and connectivity through reduced freeway and surface street gridlock.”

The Starr Avenue interchange is part of the $1.3bn Interstate 15 south corridor project, and upon completion, it will have six lanes with landscaped medians and bike lanes.