Editing Interstate 11 (section)

==History==
As recently as 1997, US&nbsp;93 was mostly a two-lane road between Wickenburg and [[Hoover Dam]] and was known for its dangerous curves and hills in the stretch between Wickenburg and I-40. In the late 1990s, the [[Arizona Department of Transportation]] (ADOT) began widening US&nbsp;93 to four lanes and, in some areas, building a completely new roadway. In other places along the route, ADOT simply repaved the old highway and built two new lanes parallel to it. ADOT also began studying the possibility of adding grade separations to US&nbsp;93 near the [[Santa Maria River (Arizona)|Santa Maria River]] to make the road a full freeway.

At the same time, Nevada<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.poweredbythepeople.com/contractors/Search_By_Zip/NV.php |title = Nevada Construction Planning & Developing |publisher = PBTP Construction Group |date = September 24, 2008 |access-date = January 12, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150603114502/http://www.poweredbythepeople.com/contractors/Search_By_Zip/NV.php |archive-date = June 3, 2015 |url-status = dead }}</ref> and Arizona began looking at US&nbsp;93's crossing of Hoover Dam, a major bottleneck for regional commerce, with [[hairpin turn]]s, multiple crosswalks for pedestrians, and steep grades. Plans for a bridge to bypass the dam became even more urgent when the road was closed to trucks after the [[September 11 attacks]] in 2001, forcing commercial traffic to detour through [[Bullhead City, Arizona]], and [[Laughlin, Nevada]], causing major transport delays as a result.

[[File:Hoover Dam Bypass - 2010-12-09 - Nevada.JPG|thumb|left|The [[Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge]], a completed alignment of I-11 near [[Hoover Dam]] in 2010]]
With the completion of the [[Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge]] on October 14, 2010,<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.hooverdambypass.org/Project%20Updates/Hoover%20Dam%20Update%20July%2013%202009.pdf |title = Hoover Dam Bypass: Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge (Colorado River Bridge) |date = July 13, 2009 |publisher = CFLHD & HDR |access-date = November 27, 2011 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111203035710/http://www.hooverdambypass.org/Project%20Updates/Hoover%20Dam%20Update%20July%2013%202009.pdf |archive-date = December 3, 2011 |df = mdy-all }}</ref> the vast majority of the roadway is now a four-lane divided highway. Still, with Phoenix and Las Vegas as the two largest neighboring cities in the U.S. not connected by Interstate Highway, leaders in both cities lobbied to include I-11 in the next [[Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century]] reauthorization. With the rise of the concept of "megapolitan" urban regions, I-11 is considered a key connector to unify the triangle formed by Las Vegas, Phoenix, and the [[Los Angeles]] area (the triangle consisting of I-15 to the north/west, I-10 to the south and I-11 on the east).<ref>{{cite web |last = Stephens |first = Josh |date = October 15, 2012 |title = The Last American Superhighway: The Southwest Bets on Interstate 11 |url = http://nextcity.org/features/view/the-last-american-superhighway |access-date = April 30, 2014 |work = [[Next City]] |language = en |archive-date = December 31, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141231075910/http://nextcity.org/features/view/the-last-american-superhighway |url-status = live }}</ref> The [[Federal Highway Administration]] (FHWA) approved the [[Nevada Department of Transportation]] (NDOT)'s environmental review of a bypass around [[Boulder City, Nevada|Boulder City]], which would connect the end of the recently constructed Hoover Dam Bypass bridge east of Boulder City to I-515 west of the town.<ref>{{cite news |last = Hansen |first = Kyle B. |date = October 25, 2010 |title = Public meeting set for Boulder City bypass project |url = http://lasvegassun.com/news/2010/oct/25/hearing-set-boulder-city-bypass-project/ |access-date = November 27, 2011 |work = [[Las Vegas Sun]] |language = en |archive-date = June 12, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110612110700/http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/oct/25/hearing-set-boulder-city-bypass-project/ |url-status = live }}</ref>

In December 2013, the [[University of Nevada, Las Vegas]], researchers discovered naturally occurring [[asbestos]] in the route of the Boulder City bypass. Containing the asbestos and monitoring the surrounding air to keep workers safe was estimated to cost at least an additional $12&nbsp;million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US-GDP|12000000|2013}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}).<ref>{{cite news |last = Velotta |first = Richard N. |date = April 13, 2015 |title = Handling asbestos on I-11 route will cost $12.7 million |url = https://www.reviewjournal.com/traffic/handling-asbestos-on-i-11-route-will-cost-12-7-million/ |access-date = May 23, 2018 |work = [[Las Vegas Review-Journal]] |language = en |issn = 1097-1645 |archive-date = May 23, 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180523172852/https://www.reviewjournal.com/traffic/handling-asbestos-on-i-11-route-will-cost-12-7-million/ |url-status = live }}</ref> Work was completed without any [[Occupational Safety and Health Administration]] incidents, with 14,000 air samples taken during the construction.<ref>{{cite news |last = Akers |first = Mick |date = May 23, 2017 |title = As Interstate 11 progresses, asbestos monitoring continues |url = https://lasvegassun.com/news/2017/may/23/as-interstate-11-progresses-asbestos-monitoring-co/ |access-date = May 23, 2018 |work = [[Las Vegas Sun]] |language = en |archive-date = May 23, 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180523172936/https://lasvegassun.com/news/2017/may/23/as-interstate-11-progresses-asbestos-monitoring-co/ |url-status = live }}</ref>

On March 21, 2014, "Future I-11 Corridor" signs were installed along the US&nbsp;93 corridor.<ref>{{cite news |last = Rico |first = Gabriela |date = March 24, 2014 |title = 'Future I-11' signs go up north of Phoenix |url = http://tucson.com/news/state-and-regional/future-i--signs-go-up-north-of-phoenix/article_e27c217a-6f81-53d3-97d8-10e8789af2c3.html |access-date = April 30, 2014 |work = [[Arizona Daily Star]] |location = Tucson |language = en |issn = 0888-546X |oclc = 2949521 |archive-date = August 25, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150825003654/http://tucson.com/news/state-and-regional/future-i--signs-go-up-north-of-phoenix/article_e27c217a-6f81-53d3-97d8-10e8789af2c3.html |url-status = live }}</ref> On May 21, 2014, NDOT submitted an application to the [[American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials]] (AASHTO) to request the creation of the I-11 designation between the Arizona state line and the I-215/I-515 Interchange in Henderson.<ref>{{cite letter |url = http://sp.route.transportation.org/Documents/AASHTO_App_I-11.pdf |title = An Application from the State Highway or Transportation Department of Nevada for Establishment of an Interstate Route |last = Wright |first = Bud |date = May 21, 2014 |recipient = Victor Mendez |location = Washington, D.C. |publisher = American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Special Committee on U.S. Route Numbering }}</ref> AASHTO approved this request at their Spring&nbsp;2014 Special Committee on US Route Numbering meeting, contingent on FHWA approval.<ref name="AASHTO2014S">{{AASHTO minutes |year = 2014S |access-date = March 24, 2019 |link = yes }}</ref> On June 13, 2017, the advisory question<ref>{{cite news|last=Widner|first=Jean|url=https://www.bouldercity.com/final-candidate-meet-greet-early-voting-ballot-questions/|title=Final Candidate Meet & Greet, Early Voting, & Ballot Questions|date=May 28, 2017|publisher=bouldercity.com|accessdate=May 27, 2025}}</ref> regarding the extension of Buchanan Boulevard to I-11 including interchange plans via Boulder City Question 2<ref>{{cite news|last=Napier|first=Dale|url=https://bouldercityreview.com/opinion/buchanan-or-bust-proposal-seems-to-lack-supporters/|title=Buchanan or bust. Proposal seems to lack supporters|date=May 24, 2017|work=Boulder City Review|accessdate=May 27, 2025}}</ref> were opposed by voters.<ref>{{cite news|last=Corbin|first=April|url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2017/jun/13/municipal-elections-fiore-wins-rough-incumbents/|title=Municipal elections: Fiore prevails amid a rough night for incumbents|date=June 13, 2017|work=[[Las Vegas Sun]]|accessdate=May 27, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Gloria|first=Joseph P.|url=https://www.bcnv.org/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/1109|title=2017 Municipal General Election|date=June 16, 2017|publisher=Clark County Election Department|format=PDF|page=3|accessdate=May 27, 2025}}</ref> On August 16, 2017, the first southbound segment was opened to traffic, with its accompanying northbound segment opening on January 27, 2018.<ref>{{cite news |last = Marroquin |first = Art |date = January 23, 2018 |title = Next section of Interstate 11 slated to open Saturday morning |url = https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/local-las-vegas/next-section-of-interstate-11-slated-to-open-saturday-morning/ |access-date = February 3, 2018 |work = [[Las Vegas Review-Journal]] |language = en-US |issn = 1097-1645 |archive-date = February 4, 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180204123953/https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/local-las-vegas/next-section-of-interstate-11-slated-to-open-saturday-morning/ |url-status = live }}</ref> On February 20, 2018, NDOT opened additional ramps connecting the new Railroad Pass Casino Road to both the Boulder City Parkway (formerly US&nbsp;93 and US&nbsp;95) and to I-11 (southbound exit and northbound entrance).<ref>{{cite news |last = Marroquin |first = Art |date = February 11, 2018 |title = Section of I-11 to open Tuesday at Railroad Pass |url = https://www.reviewjournal.com/traffic/section-of-i-11-to-open-tuesday-at-railroad-pass/ |access-date = March 18, 2018 |work = [[Las Vegas Review-Journal]] |language = en |issn = 1097-1645 |archive-date = March 19, 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180319151038/https://www.reviewjournal.com/traffic/section-of-i-11-to-open-tuesday-at-railroad-pass/ |url-status = live }}</ref> The final portion of Phase&nbsp;1, between the new casino access road and US&nbsp;95, opened on May 23, 2018.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://i-11nv.com/webcams/ |title = Interstate 11 |access-date = May 6, 2018 |archive-date = May 7, 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180507085811/http://i-11nv.com/webcams/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last = McLoud |first = Don |date = May 21, 2018 |title = Part of Nevada's new I-11 to open; project to include diamond interchange, wall with Hoover Dam scenes |url = https://www.equipmentworld.com/part-of-nevadas-new-i-11-to-open-project-to-include-diamond-interchange-wall-with-hoover-dam-scenes/ |access-date = May 23, 2018 |website = Equipment World |language = en |archive-date = May 22, 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180522051107/https://www.equipmentworld.com/part-of-nevadas-new-i-11-to-open-project-to-include-diamond-interchange-wall-with-hoover-dam-scenes/ |url-status = live }}</ref> On August 9, 2018, Phase&nbsp;2 was opened to traffic, officially completing the Boulder City Bypass.<ref name="Marroquin">{{cite news |last = Marroquin |first = Art |date = August 9, 2018 |title = Nation's newest freeway, 15-mile stretch of I-11, ready to roll |url = https://www.reviewjournal.com/traffic/nations-newest-freeway-15-mile-stretch-of-i-11-ready-to-roll/ |access-date = August 11, 2018 |work = [[Las Vegas Review-Journal]] |language = en |issn = 1097-1645 |archive-date = August 10, 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180810111922/https://www.reviewjournal.com/traffic/nations-newest-freeway-15-mile-stretch-of-i-11-ready-to-roll/ |url-status = live }}</ref>

[[File:I-11 Shield.jpg|thumb|I-11 sign in Henderson with US&nbsp;93/US&nbsp;95 shields in 2018]]
Phase&nbsp;2, which began construction on April 6, 2015,<ref>{{cite news |last = Shine |first = Conor |date = April 6, 2015 |title = Construction begins on key link of future interstate |url = http://lasvegassun.com/news/2015/apr/06/construction-begins-key-link-future-interstate/ |access-date = February 16, 2016 |work = [[Las Vegas Sun]] |language = en |archive-date = February 25, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160225191348/http://lasvegassun.com/news/2015/apr/06/construction-begins-key-link-future-interstate/ |url-status = live }}</ref> was expected to open by October 2018;<ref>{{cite news |last = Holstege |first = Sean |date = March 24, 2014 |title = A sign of hope for backers of I-11 project |url = http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/arizona/2014/03/22/sign-hope-backers-project/6727547/ |access-date = April 30, 2014 |work = [[The Arizona Republic]] |language = en |issn = 2766-452X |archive-date = April 29, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140429053238/http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/arizona/2014/03/22/sign-hope-backers-project/6727547/ |url-status = live }}</ref> in May&nbsp;2018, however, the [[Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada]] announced that the section would be open by June 2018, three months ahead of schedule.<ref>{{cite news |last = Marroquin |first = Art |date = May 17, 2018 |title = More of I-11 near town to open ahead of schedule |url = https://bouldercityreview.com/news/more-of-i-11-near-town-to-open-ahead-of-schedule/ |access-date = May 19, 2018 |work = Boulder City Review  |language = en-US |archive-date = May 20, 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180520124559/https://bouldercityreview.com/news/more-of-i-11-near-town-to-open-ahead-of-schedule/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last = Akers |first = Mick |date = May 16, 2018 |title = 15-mile stretch of Interstate 11 to open three months ahead of schedule |url = https://lasvegassun.com/news/2018/may/16/15-mile-stretch-interstate-11-open-three-months-ah/ |access-date = May 19, 2018 |work = [[Las Vegas Sun]] |language = en |archive-date = May 20, 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180520124849/https://lasvegassun.com/news/2018/may/16/15-mile-stretch-interstate-11-open-three-months-ah/ |url-status = live }}</ref> That opening date was subsequently pushed back to August 9, 2018, as it was still in the post-construction stage.<ref>{{cite web |author = Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada |author-link = Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada |title = I-11 Grand Opening |url = http://www.rtcsnv.com/i-11-invitation/ |url-status = dead |access-date = August 6, 2018 |archive-date = August 15, 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180815231746/http://www.rtcsnv.com/i-11-invitation/ }}</ref> In March 2019, NDOT replaced I-515 signs along its southernmost {{convert|5|mi|km|spell=in}} stretch with I-11 signs.<ref name="LVRJ-sign-repl">{{cite news |last = Akers |first = Mick |date = March 14, 2019 |title = 75 new freeway signs to be installed between Henderson, Boulder City |url = https://www.reviewjournal.com/traffic/75-new-freeway-signs-to-be-installed-between-henderson-boulder-city-1618473/ |access-date = March 24, 2019 |newspaper = [[Las Vegas Review-Journal]] |language = en |issn = 1097-1645 |archive-date = March 24, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190324161325/https://www.reviewjournal.com/traffic/75-new-freeway-signs-to-be-installed-between-henderson-boulder-city-1618473/ |url-status = live }}</ref>

The 80th session of the [[Nevada Legislature]] passed a bill designating the entire route of I-11 in the state as the [[Purple Heart]] Highway, which went into effect on July 1, 2019.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://legiscan.com/NV/bill/SB331/2019 |title = Nevada SB331 &#124; 2019 &#124; 80th Legislature |access-date = June 20, 2019 |archive-date = June 20, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190620104704/https://legiscan.com/NV/bill/SB331/2019 |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.leg.state.nv.us/App/NELIS/REL/80th2019/Bill/6600/Overview |title = SB331 Overview |website = www.leg.state.nv.us |access-date = June 20, 2019 |archive-date = June 20, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190620104707/https://www.leg.state.nv.us/App/NELIS/REL/80th2019/Bill/6600/Overview |url-status = live }}</ref>

On July 27, 2022, NDOT decided to route I-11 along the existing alignments of I-515/US&nbsp;93/US&nbsp;95 to Downtown Las Vegas, then running concurrently with US&nbsp;95 northwest to SR&nbsp;157 rather than use I-215 or construct a new corridor as had been proposed, but abandoned due to opposition.<ref name="vegascorridor">{{cite news |last = Akers |first = Mick |date = June 27, 2022 |title = Highway officials identify I-11's preferred Las Vegas route |url = https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/news-columns/road-warrior/highway-officials-identify-i-11s-preferred-las-vegas-route-2598718/ |url-status = deviated |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220627140057/https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/news-columns/road-warrior/highway-officials-identify-i-11s-preferred-las-vegas-route-2598718/amp/ |archive-date = June 27, 2022 |access-date = August 10, 2022 |newspaper = [[Las Vegas Review-Journal]] |language = en |issn = 1097-1645 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1 = Solis |first1 = Jeniffer |title = With virtually everyone against it, NDOT scraps option to run I-11 through Lake Mead Rec Area |url = https://nevadacurrent.com/2021/08/26/ndotscrapsoption/ |access-date = January 29, 2024 |work = Nevada Current |date = August 26, 2021 }}</ref> NDOT replaced I-515 shields with I-11 shields in this area in 2024 and plans to finish adding I-11 shields all the way through the Las Vegas Valley by 2025. This extended I-11 northward about {{convert|30.5|mi|km}} and eliminated the I-515 designation.<ref name="Footprint" /><ref>{{cite news |last1 = Schaeffer |first1 = James |title = Las Vegas U.S. 95 shifts name to Interstate 11 on GPS services |url = https://www.8newsnow.com/news/local-news/las-vegas-u-s-95-shifts-name-to-interstate-11-on-gps-services/ |access-date = June 19, 2024 |work = KLAS |date = June 8, 2024 }}</ref>

Beginning in 2022, several construction projects were started or planned to improve the I-515 corridor before it became I-11. The projects included soundwall and retaining wall reconstruction, bridge rehabilitation and interchange improvements. All the projects are expected to be started by 2027.<ref>{{cite web |title = Welcome to the I-515 Corridor |url = https://www.nv515.com/ |website = NV515 |access-date = July 10, 2023 |language = en }}</ref>