LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The City of Las Vegas is installing large concrete culverts along Charleston Boulevard as part of a $49 million flood control project aimed at reducing flooding in the corridor between Commerce Street and Maryland Parkway.
The project, which began last August, is expected to be completed by September 2027.
Why Charleston Boulevard floods
Charleston Boulevard absorbs nearly 16 square miles of floodwaters during major monsoon events, according to Nicole Melton, a program managing engineer for the City of Las Vegas.
“This will help mitigate flooding for the neighborhoods, for these businesses,” Melton said. “Charleston absorbs almost 16 square miles of flood waters as it makes its way to this region.”
Melton said the goal of the city’s flood control system is to keep water below the curb line and away from surrounding properties.
“The way our flood control facilities work in the valley is our roadways are meant to convey some flow, but what we want to do is make sure that stays below the curb line so nothing is getting out and over into the properties,” she said.
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Additional underground upgrades underway
While the roadway is open, the city is also upgrading other underground infrastructure.
“We also are installing new sewer line along Charleston Boulevard, and we were doing waterline relocations where necessary,” Melton said.
Drought conditions and monsoon timing
The project is moving forward during drought conditions, though monsoon moisture could affect construction timelines. Melton said the city has measures in place to handle rain during construction.
“We have measures in place to be able to accommodate that during construction, but we do keep our fingers crossed that we don’t have to deal with it,” she said.
Traffic impacts and upcoming closures
The project has reduced traffic along Charleston Boulevard to one lane in each direction between Commerce Street and Maryland Parkway. An additional closure is planned on Casino Center Boulevard, just south of Charleston, for three weeks.
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