LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Some businesses near Maryland Parkway and Sierra Vista say ongoing road construction is cutting into their revenue and want their concerns heard.
Sam Maxion, owner of the DJ Museum, said visitor traffic has dropped significantly since construction began.
“It’s taken a tremendous dip. I’d say close to 50%,” Maxion said.
Access issues documented on camera
Maxion said one of his primary concerns is access to his business. During an on-camera interview, a driver backed up after some heavy equipment blocked their way.
“As you can tell behind me, there’s a tractor, and that’s where you’re supposed to turn in,” Maxion said. “And there you have it. The struggles of being able to work through the plaza.”
FOX5 then talked to the driver who backed up, a visitor from Southern California.
“It’s a mess. We had to use GPS because we don’t know how to go around,” said Myra Rodriguez.
AMPLIFIED: Road construction across Las Vegas sparks debate over traffic delays and costs
Salon owner cites water shutoffs, lack of notice
Nsh Shepherd, owner of Beauty Queen Studios, said she received one notice that water would be shut off, but that it’s happened multiple times without warning.
“We’re a hair salon. So we have to have water. And if we don’t have water, then what happens is we can’t take clients, which in turn stops our revenue,” Shepherd said.
Shepherd said she has tried to escalate her concerns.
“I’ve reached out to the higher-ups, and everybody says it’s not their problem,” Shepherd said, rating her frustration a 10 out of 10.
Tattoo shop says business has slowed considerably
A tattoo artist at King of Hearts Tattoo Shop said the shop would typically be very busy when FOX5 talked with him. There was no one in the shop at the time.
“It’s really, really horrible. It completely brought our business to a halt for the most part,” said tattoo artist Joshua Guerra.
While there are complaints, some businesses say they’re not against the work and look forward to what it will look like when it’s done.
RTC Deputy CEO Andrew Kjellman provided the following information to FOX5.
The RTC recognizes that construction along Maryland Parkway has created challenges for businesses, residents and visitors throughout the corridor. The federally funded Maryland Parkway Bus Rapid Transit project, known as the RED LINE, is now in its final stages, with initial service scheduled to begin Aug. 23.
While some construction activity will continue on this project between Sahara Avenue and Flamingo Road through the end of the year, it is important to note that there are also other infrastructure and utility projects occurring within the corridor that may affect businesses, drivers and transit riders.
Q&A:
Q: When did the project begin? When is the expected end date?
A: Construction on the 12.5-mile Maryland Parkway Bus Rapid Transit project began in August 2024 in downtown Las Vegas. Construction south of Sahara Avenue began in October 2024.
RED LINE service is scheduled to begin Aug. 23, 2026. While transit service will be operational, some construction and finishing work will continue through the end of the year.
Additional project information and construction updates are available at the Maryland Parkway Project website.
It is important to note that there are also other infrastructure and utility projects occurring within the corridor that may affect businesses, drivers and transit riders.
Q: Has the project end date been delayed? If so, by how much?
A: Utility work within portions of the corridor resulted in construction impacts that extended some project activities by approximately six months. Despite those challenges, the RTC remains on track to launch RED LINE service on Aug. 23, 2026, consistent with the project’s anticipated two-year timeline.
Q: Will both sides of Maryland Parkway be reconstructed?
A: Yes. Improvements associated with the RED LINE project are being completed throughout the corridor and include work on both sides of Maryland Parkway.
Q: Have businesses been receiving advance notice about road closures? One business owner says Sierra Vista Drive at Maryland Parkway was open last week but closed this week without notice.
A: Before construction began, the entire corridor was canvased to provide businesses with contact information for the project team and the opportunity to sign up for regular updates. Since then, RTC and its construction partners have provided weekly project updates through email, text messaging and social media channels to approximately 20,000 subscribers.
This specific area has been canvassed five times for a variety of impacts including pedestrian bridge demolition, a mid-project update, driveway impacts, and a water service interruption.
Q: Can businesses receive advance notice when water service will be interrupted?
A: The RTC understands the importance of utility services for businesses operating in the corridor. While utility interruption notifications are typically handled by the specific utility, when they are planned, the project team works with providers and contractors to provide advance notification whenever possible.
Businesses experiencing concerns about utility interruptions are encouraged to contact the project team directly so issues can be addressed as quickly as possible. The project hotline is 702-676-1899.
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