LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said federal leaders must scrutinize and limit the transport of hazardous materials across federal highways to prevent another days-long shutdown of the I-15.
FOX5 obtained an exclusive TV interview with Secretary Buttigieg as he traveled into the Las Vegas Valley to discuss the groundbreaking of the Maryland Parkway Bus Rapid Transit project, then spoke before union leaders about rail projects at Caesars Forum.
“The main goal, of course, is to make sure that things like that can be prevented. We’re working on new guidelines and procedures all the time, to make sure that hazardous materials, that we count on as a country, but have to make sure it moves more safely. It is not an obstacle to people getting to where they need to go,” Secretary Buttigieg said. The Secretary posted on “X” that his office was monitoring the closure and humanitarian response.
On July 26, California Highway Patrol officials said a tanker carrying “lithium iron” caught fire north of Baker on I-15, leading to a virtual shutdown of the freeway for almost two days. Drivers sought a detour with a 50-mile backup on I-40. Many were stalled on the freeway for hours, running out of water and gas.
Hazardous materials crews were called in to tackle the fire, and the truck had to be hauled into the desert. CHP officials said crews were familiar with protocols for the more commonly-used “lithium ion” batteries, which are often in household items and some electric vehicles.
“Just as flammable liquids have presented a lot of problems, including a tanker truck crash that took out a bridge in Pennsylvania, newer technologies, including battery equipment, can be a risk too. There need to be ways to handle that properly and safely,” Secretary Buttigieg said.
A spokesperson for Congresswoman Dina Titus said that her office is looking into the ban of hazardous materials on roadways, and whether federal legislation is needed.
“The days-long shutdown of I-15 is further evidence of the need for Brightline high-speed rail from Southern California. Brightline can be Las Vegas’ lifeline,” Congresswoman Titus posted on “X” during the shutdown.
Secretary Buttigieg was in town this past Spring for the ceremonial groundbreaking of Brightline. A spokesperson for the company said the company is finishing up the field work needed for major construction to start on Las Vegas Boulevard.
“That’s going to be a benefit to millions, not just the people who use it, but anybody counting on I-15 who will face less congestion because of the people who are using it,” Secretary Buttigieg said, telling FOX5 that project leaders are still set for a completion by the Summer 2028 Olympics.
Drivers coming from California are still looking for more solutions to ease chronic backups on the roads.
In August 2023, part-time southbound lanes opened for a stretch of five miles south of the Stateline, easing highway congestion for Sunday and Monday travel out of Las Vegas, officials from CalTrans tell FOX5.
Officials like Mayor Carolyn Goodman have been very vocal about the need for an I-15 expansion to make visitors’ journeys less arduous.
“While Brightline is great, it is years away from becoming a reality. We need Interstate 15 widened now,” Goodman posted on X during the Memorial Day weekend. Goodman has called for widening closer to Barstow.
CalTrans officials tell FOX5, there are no new I-15 projects planned, other than recent accommodations for Brightline field work. Officials said in recent years, the agency has pivoted to a “multimodal” approach to transportation.
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