First Step in LVCC Construction – Really
-- Tradeshow Week, 8/28/2008 3:02:00 PM
Above-ground construction on the Las Vegas Convention Center master plan enhancement program is still six months and $13.5 million in underground utility relocation away. Jim Gans, LVCVA senior vice president of operations, said utility work will begin Sept. 2 with an anticipated completion date some time in March.
The largest part of the utility project will be the installation of a new storm drain diagonally across LVCC Silver Lots one and two. Gans explained that, though rain in Las Vegas is rare, when it comes, particularly during the city’s July-September monsoon season, storm water can rush down Convention Center and Paradise roads and across a depression in the Silver Lots.
Additional utility work will involve moving gas and electric lines, water pipes and sanitary sewer lines so they don’t conflict with planned meeting room construction in what is now the Orange Lot.
Gans noted that when original estimates of the work were prepared more than a year ago, the construction market was tight. “With the economy changing, the actual bidding process came at an opportune time,” he added. “The final bids were approximately $1.5 million less than originally estimated.”
To minimize disruption for customers, the LVCC is communicating with shows booked during the utility construction period. “Every effort will be made to sequence construction around show requirements,” Gans said. “We are also planning much of the work to be done at night.”
The utility work will generally not affect the public roadways other than possible brief lane closures on Desert Inn Road. LVCVA Public Relations Manager Jeremy Handel noted that his office will work with local media to alert them to any changes in Desert Inn Road traffic patterns. In addition, construction issues that will affect parking will be part of all pre-show discussions, and the LVCC Web site will regularly update parking information.
