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I-15 Tropicana Interchange Design-Build

I-15 Tropicana Interchange Design-Build

Las Vegas, Nevada
Client: Kiewit Infrastructure West Co.
Market Sector: Transportation
Role: Construction Materials Testing & Special Inspection Partner

Client Need

The Nevada Department of Transportation initiated the I-15 Tropicana Interchange Design-Build project to modernize one of the busiest transportation corridors in Southern Nevada. The large-scale reconstruction effort included replacement and widening of the Tropicana Avenue bridge over I-15, widening of the interstate between the Flamingo and Hacienda overpasses, rehabilitation of the I-215/I-15 interchange, and construction of new roadway, bridge, drainage, and traffic management infrastructure.

The project incorporated seven bridges, new flyover ramps, utility relocations, reinforced concrete box drainage structures, and overhead dynamic messaging signs designed to improve traffic flow, safety, and long-term transportation capacity in the Las Vegas resort corridor. Due to the project’s complexity, accelerated construction schedule, and the need to maintain traffic operations near major entertainment and sporting venues, Kiewit Infrastructure West Co. required a highly experienced testing and inspection partner capable of supporting continuous quality control operations across multiple active work zones.

How We Helped

UES provided contractor quality control special inspections and construction materials testing services throughout the multi-year design-build project. Our team performed testing and inspection services for soils, concrete, PCCP, reinforced concrete, MSE walls, utility and storm drain backfill, and structural steel and welding associated with the new bridges, flyover ramps, roadway widening, signal improvements, pedestrian walkways, and related infrastructure improvements.

The project required day and night operations with multiple crews working concurrently in separate work zones along one of the region’s most heavily traveled interstate corridors. UES supported technically complex construction activities, including bridge demolition operations executed during full freeway shutdown weekends and specialized concrete placement for limited-clearance reinforced concrete box structures. Through continuous field presence and responsive coordination, UES helped verify compliance with project specifications while supporting construction quality, safety, and schedule progression.

Construction site at sunset with large cranes and a drilling rig against a city skyline; dirt piles and traffic cones visible in foreground.

Project Highlights

  • Infrastructure Improvements: Seven bridges, roadway widening, flyover ramps, drainage improvements, and interchange rehabilitation
  • Traffic Innovation: Introduction of a Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) configuration on Tropicana Avenue
  • Bridge Enhancements: Existing Tropicana bridge raised 22 inches, widened, and lengthened to accommodate future I-15 expansion
  • Services Provided:
    • Construction materials testing
    • Contractor quality control inspections
    • Structural steel and welding inspections
    • Soils, concrete, PCCP, and MSE wall testing
    • Utility and storm drain backfill inspection
  • Technical Challenges:
    • Full freeway shutdown bridge demolition operations over I-15
    • Specialized self-consolidating concrete placement in limited-clearance conditions
    • Concurrent day and night construction operations across multiple work zones
  • Regional Coordination: Ongoing coordination with T-Mobile Arena events, Allegiant Stadium operations, the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, and Super Bowl LVIII activities

Client & Community Impact

UES supported the successful delivery of a transformative transportation infrastructure project that improves mobility, safety, and long-term roadway capacity within one of the nation’s most heavily traveled entertainment corridors. The new interchange configuration helps reduce traffic conflict points and improve traffic flow efficiency for residents and visitors traveling through Las Vegas.

The project also delivered meaningful economic and community benefits through extensive workforce participation and infrastructure improvements designed to support future regional growth. By helping maintain construction quality and supporting technically demanding operations under an aggressive schedule, UES contributed to a project that generated thousands of jobs statewide while minimizing long-term disruption to businesses, tourism, and major public events throughout the Las Vegas area.

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