Though the Nevada state flower might technically be sagebrush, unofficially it has become the traffic cone as Nevada is now littered with the pylons everywhere. In Southern Nevada, that sight greets many drivers, endless rows of orange traffic cones, narrowed lanes, and detour signs. For residents like seniors Holland Thomas and Jaidyn Smith, the constant presence of road construction has become more than just a minor inconvenience, it’s a daily source of frustration.
“It’s definitely annoying. I wish the roads were just free of all the construction,” says Smith, “It’s super annoying and sometimes it gets difficult to drive. It’s like I’m in a maze.”
Thomas agrees. “It can be really annoying, especially when I don’t see a change after the construction is done,” Thomas says. “It’s frustrating to know that I will see so many traffic cones during each drive.”
One of the biggest concerns among locals is not just the inconvenience, but the lack of clarity about what’s actually being worked on.
“I’m not very knowledgeable on what type of construction is being done and what is happening, so I don’t think I can be too opinionated on the matter,” Thomas says. “However, from what I do know, it is getting out of hand and there should be better planning of the construction that is being done.”
Smith shares a similar perspective, questioning the city’s approach.
“I definitely think it’s getting out of hand. I believe that they shouldn’t do a ton of construction all at once. Pick a few areas and get those done, then go on to the next ones.”
Both Thomas and Smith mention the strange phenomenon of deserted work zones, areas heavily coned off with no crews in sight.
“When I see a road full of cones with no one working I really start to question if Nevada just likes to have construction going on,” Thomas says. “Especially when it will last for weeks or months and I only see anyone working once the whole time.”
Smith is equally skeptical.
Smith says, “I honestly get confused, because what’s the point of having all these cones if nobody is going to even be working on the construction?”
For many, the outcome of these projects doesn’t seem to justify the inconvenience.
“From what I’ve seen, the majority of it is just causing more chaos,” Thomas shares. “Sometimes I see a street look worse after getting new pavement. Or a traffic light being added where I don’t think there should be one. Sometimes I do understand the reason for it when there has been known accidents or whatnot.”
Smith worries about how intensely this construction causes traffic that is severely under speed.
“I would think it causes more chaos. It definitely slows the traffic down,” adds Smith.
Despite the frustrations, both residents have developed coping mechanisms.
“I usually stick to the route I know so if there is construction then I just get myself through it and then enjoy the non-construction parts of the road,” Thomas says. “But I do understand why someone would avoid going a certain way because of it.”
Smith agrees, saying, “On occasions I may find another route, mainly when I’m not familiar with the road.”
As Las Vegas continues to grow, so does the need for infrastructure improvements. But for now, many residents are simply hoping for a more efficient and less chaotic approach to roadwork.
