Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman’s dream of rejuvenating Downtown Las Vegas has led to several changes in the structure of some of Vegas’ longstanding communities. The 1.1 mile stretch of Alta Drive is one of many restructuring projects that have given nearby Downtown Las Vegas a reviving face lift.
With the downtown expansion linking east and west Las Vegas, Alta Drive has become a popular choice for westward commuters.
Stretching 15 miles from Martin Luther King Blvd to Desert Foothills Dr, Alta Drive has, for years, been the residential alternative to the often congested Charleston Blvd.
In the past, Alta Drive’s proximity to Charleston Blvd. made it a highly attractive option for shortcut-seeking commuters. In 2003, construction ended on a 1.1 mile stretch of Alta Drive between Rancho Dr and Valley View Blvd.
Alta’s new look features several structural changes including continuous curves, landscape decorated islands, and a cyclist friendly bike lane. The curving road serves as a strong deterrent for speeding drivers, especially through the school zones delegated to Howard Wasden Elementary School and community landmark, Our Lady of Las Vegas. The islands situated throughout the road’s center advertise the valley’s growing trend of residents choosing desert landscaping over lawns; an option strongly advocated by Alta’s neighbor, The Las Vegas Valley Water District. The bike lane serves as a safer, more popular route for Red Rock Canyon bound cyclists than the highly commercial Charleston Blvd.
Alta Drive becomes Grand Central Parkway as it intersects Martin Luther King Blvd. Serving as a link between The World Market Center, The Las Vegas Premium Outlets, and Interstate 15, Grand Central Parkway has become a highly integral part of Downtown Las Vegas.
At Main Street, Grand Central Parkway becomes Bonneville Avenue, serving as the final eastward link into Downtown Las Vegas. Accommodating to shoppers, bicyclists, and downtown commuters, Bonneville Avenue/Grand Central Parkway/Alta Drive is a symbol for Las Vegas’ transition from a mere tourist utopia to a standard for other communities to follow.
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