North Las Vegas Airport master plan proposes closing a roughly half-mile stretch of Carey Avenue for longer runways

What happened

A proposed expansion of North Las Vegas Airport could permanently close part of Carey Avenue, KTNV reported. According to the airport's Final Master Plan Report, a roughly half-mile stretch between Simmons Street and Allen Lane could be shut down to make room for longer and wider runways.

No final decisions have been made, KTNV reported. The proposal is moving through a Federal Aviation Administration review, and North Las Vegas city officials would have to approve a land sale before it can move forward.

Why the airport wants to expand

Airport officials told KTNV the runway extensions are needed to meet FAA standards and to handle the aircraft expected to use the airport in the future. The proposal is part of a long-range plan meant to meet aviation demand over the next 20 years.

The airport's role in the valley

North Las Vegas Airport is one of Nevada's two FAA-designated National Reliever Airports, according to KTNV. It serves as an alternative to Harry Reid International Airport for general aviation, corporate, charter and flight-training operations.

Who has to sign off

Part of the land where the new development could go is owned by the City of North Las Vegas, KTNV reported. City officials would have to approve selling that land to the Clark County Department of Aviation for the project to proceed. You can follow more local projects like this on our development coverage page.

What the closure would mean for drivers

If approved, the closure would affect a roadway that currently carries more than 13,000 vehicles per day, KTNV reported. Traffic studies in the master plan project that number will increase by 23% by 2050.

Where traffic would go

Under the proposal, drivers would be sent to surrounding roads. The plan includes building a new roadway that connects Carey Avenue to Lake Mead Boulevard as an alternate route.

The master plan estimates that 59% of future traffic now using Carey Avenue would shift to Lake Mead Boulevard if the closure happens. Another 15% would move to Cheyenne Avenue, with the rest spread among nearby roads.

What the traffic study found

The traffic study found that several roadway improvements could help offset congestion tied to the closure, KTNV reported. Researchers concluded that some drivers could feel impacts during peak travel times. They also concluded the project would not be expected to increase overall daily regional travel times or travel distances by 2050.

Residents raise congestion concerns

Some residents worry the changes could add traffic on roads that are already busy. North Las Vegas resident Jennifer Chavira told KTNV that Carey Avenue is part of her daily routine for errands and work.

"I think it'll add a lot more congestion on the Lake Mead side, which is already congested, as is both Rancho and Simmons," Chavira told KTNV. She also said, "If everyone has to come to the shopping center from the Lake Mead side, that's going to be such a mess."

KTNV reported that the proposal is already generating discussion among residents who rely on Carey Avenue. For more news from around the valley, see our neighborhoods section.

What to watch next

• The FAA review of the airport's proposal, which KTNV reported is moving forward.
• Whether North Las Vegas officials approve selling city-owned land to the Clark County Department of Aviation.
• A final decision on whether the stretch of Carey Avenue between Simmons Street and Allen Lane will be closed.
• Plans for the proposed new roadway connecting Carey Avenue to Lake Mead Boulevard.