LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The Las Vegas Grand Prix’s first major traffic impact began Sunday night with the closure of the Flamingo and Koval Lane intersection, forcing more than 50,000 daily drivers to find alternate routes, many of which have quickly become gridlocked.
The intersection closure marks the beginning of construction work for a pedestrian bridge in preparation for November’s Formula One race. Crews are working to complete the bridge by Friday night at 9 p.m., according to race officials.
Traffic impacts spread across resort corridor
The closure has created a domino effect of traffic problems throughout the resort corridor. Sands Avenue has been reduced to one lane in each direction between Paradise Road and Las Vegas Boulevard due to F1 work. Eastbound Spring Mountain Road is down to two lanes approaching Las Vegas Boulevard, also because of Formula One construction.
Southbound Las Vegas Boulevard is experiencing major delays from Flamingo to Bellagio Drive, compounded by Club Bellagio construction that has shut down two right-hand lanes.
“Over 50,000 cars a day use this stretch of roadway, and they all have to go somewhere,” said FOX5 traffic reporter Ken Smith. “Some of the alternate routes have turned into gridlock.”
Construction timeline improves each year
Despite the traffic headaches, Formula One officials say they’ve streamlined the bridge construction process significantly. The first year required 10 days to build the Flamingo bridge, last year took seven days, and this year’s construction is scheduled for just five days.
“It’s lessons learned over the years — we’re an annual event and we’re so proud to be able to host this event here, and we know it’s a real privilege to be able to take over the public right of way streets,” said Lori Nelson-Kraft, senior vice president of F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix.
The closure has forced eastbound Flamingo travelers to make U-turns and scramble to find alternate routes, particularly during afternoon hours when gridlock conditions are most severe.
Drivers can sign up for F1-related traffic alerts by texting “F1LV” to 31996.
Copyright 2025 KVVU. All rights reserved.
