The Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix is coming for its second year and bringing high speed and some major changes to the Las Vegas Strip. With cars going up to 215 mph, safety and logistics are key. But for locals and visitors alike, that means changes in traffic flow, limited access to some areas and increased security.
So, what’s changing on the Strip and how will it affect you if you’re in town during the event?
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Traffic detours and road closures: What to expect
Las Vegas is used to big events but a major F1 race brings a whole new level of street changes. The 3.8-mile circuit running through the Strip has brought concrete barriers, lights and crowd control structures to keep both drivers and spectators safe. For many that means a major headache when trying to get around the area.
Koval Lane will be fully closed between November 16 and November 25 between Rochelle Avenue and Harmon Avenue. If you’re trying to drive down Las Vegas Boulevard or Sands Avenue be prepared for fewer lanes as the setup continues.
Abel Torres, a local, told FOX5 Vegas the situation is “crazy” especially near Bellagio and Caesars Palace where most of the activity and crowds are. While F1 says traffic impact is down 65% from last year, many visitors and locals are still finding the Strip tough to navigate right now.
Pedestrian bridges
More than just vehicle safety to consider, F1 is looking out for pedestrians on the Strip too. Unlike last year’s temporary film barriers, pedestrian bridges now have solid aluminum enclosures and scaffolding to prevent people from stopping on the bridges or trying to watch the race from above. As F1 says “to keep the flow of pedestrian traffic uninterrupted and nothing falls on the track”.
That’s safer and helps the race run better. Better than last year.
Workers along the strip
With road closures affecting everyone who lives and works in the area, F1 has partnered with local employers to help workers get around. Starting November 20, a special shuttle service will run for employees along the Strip. According to Lori Nelson-Kraft, F1’s senior vice president of corporate affairs, the park-and-ride is to help with transportation during the event.
Here’s how it works:
- Workers can park at The Orleans, Rio and the Las Vegas Convention Center.
- From these parking lots, they can take shuttles to work, no need to navigate roadblocks and detours on their own.
This shuttle will run during the entire event period and should be a big help for those who rely on the Strip for their daily commute.
Stay informed with real-time updates
To help locals and tourists stay ahead of any new closures or changes, F1 has launched a interactive website and text updates for those who want real-time notifications. So residents and visitors can avoid getting caught off guard by surprise roadblocks or last minute changes which are common when a big event like this is in town.
Then the teardown will start and F1 will get the Strip back to normal before the holidays. Whew!
