Galleria Drive interchange set to open on I-515

Ceremony marks project’s completion; ramps to open for Wednesday commute

Justin M. Bowen

The new Interstate 515 interchange is shown during a ceremony Tuesday morning marking completion of the project.

By Erin Dostal (contact)

Published Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009 | 10:45 a.m.

Updated Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009 | 12:38 p.m.

Galleria Drive Interchange

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New interchange

Henderson leaders and transportation officials this morning marked the completion of the new Galleria Drive interchange at Interstate 515.

"Because it’s going to be easier to get to the destinations around the Galleria Mall interchange, people will make more trips," said Regional Transportation Commission General Manager Jacob Snow. "They will spend more money and it will be great for the economy."

Henderson Mayor Andy Hafen and Nevada Department of Transportation Deputy Director Scott Rawlins helped to cut a glittering gold ribbon with oversized scissors to mark the opening.

Carrying a banner that read "Galleria Drive Interchange Grand Opening: Live. Work. Play," the Green Valley High School drum line walked those in attendance across the overpass to a reception.

"It’s right in the heart of the southeast valley," said Henderson Councilwoman Kathleen Boutin.

Hafen said he thinks the interchange will help bring more customers to the Galleria Mall and ease traffic during the holiday season, making the area safer and more profitable for local businesses. About 47,000 vehicles are expected to use the interchange daily.

Scott Muelrath, general manager for the Galleria Mall, said he hopes the interchange will increase accessibility to his shopping center.

"I think there will be a measurable impact," he said, adding that the food court and other businesses near the north entrance to the mall will likely benefit the most.

In addition to creating better access to the mall, representatives from the nearby Central Community Church also were on hand to celebrate the opening.

The interchange has a price tag of $66 million and took about 18 months to complete. It’s located between the Sunset Road and Russell Road interchanges.

The ramps to the interchange will open in time for Wednesday morning's commute.

Discussion: 2 comments so far…

By environprotector

11/3/09 at 12:40 p.m.

Suggest removal

Congrats Henderson ! more hot pavement in a hot desert!
By comeonreally

11/3/09 at 2:39 p.m.

Suggest removal

It will be used as much as Autoshow Drive, not much. What a waste. More exit and entrance ramps means more congestion on US-95, thanks for that.

Hopefully it is designed better than the on/off ramps at 215 and Gibson, you take your own life in your hands using that screw up of a design.