LAS VEGAS - Be prepared to steer clear or get trapped in more highway horror. The Nevada Department of Transportation's second straight marathon closure weekend will shut down a portion of U.S. 95 and Rainbow Boulevard, giving drivers another case of detour déjà vu.
Driver Patty Laskowski got caught up in the mess last weekend. She says once was enough.
"It took a long time, and I was very late for my daughter's birthday party," she said. "It took a good 30 minutes."
Roadside signs are up, flashing words of warning.
"I watch the news too. I saw about it on the news," said Century 21 Advantage Gold owner/broker Red Wallin.
"95 north, there's one lane open this weekend with the Rainbow Curve closure. That's a lot better than last weekend when it was fully closed," said 8 News NOW traffic reporter Brian Loftus.
The traffic may be better, but it will still cause traffic trouble.
-Northbound U.S. 95 will have one lane open and will no longer be detoured.
-Southbound U.S. 95 will continue to be detoured through Rainbow Blvd.
-Summerlin Parkway eastbound onto U.S. 95 southbound will have one lane open. There will not be any closures on Summerlin Parkway westbound.
-Access from Rainbow Blvd. to northbound U.S. 95 will no longer be restricted.
-Silver Springs Rd. at Rainbow Blvd. will remain open.
-Access to U.S. 95 north from Jones Blvd. will be restricted.
-Access to U.S. 95 south from Lake Mead Blvd. will also be restricted.
-Shuttle services will continue to be provided 24-hours for pedestrians needing to cross Rainbow Blvd.
-Drivers needing to cross Rainbow Blvd. will be diverted through surface streets and marked detours.
The closures provide ample reasons for drivers who dealt with the tie-ups last weekend to avoid this area altogether.
"I am going to go a different way, and I'm not going to get stuck in that again," driver Jill Sweet said.
While orange cones and traffic barrels litter U.S. 95 right now, once construction is complete, drivers can expect smoother commutes.
"It's progress. People are working," Wallin said.
"It will be great. It'll be nice and wide," Sweet added.
Authorities urge patience from drivers as the inevitable gridlock occurs this weekend. Nevada Highway Patrol troopers will also patrol the area near the Rainbow Curve. The detours and closures are scheduled to last until 5 a.m. Monday.
