F1: Heavy traffic, delays on Las Vegas Strip as repaving for race continues (Update)

Local Clark County District E Commissioner, Tick Segerblom, said to KSNV:

“We’ve signed up for 10 years. So and honestly, the first year is gonna be the toughest because we’re learning how to do things, including paving the road.

“[There are] some people that are upset about what happens, but once we get to get it down, then this is what we do best. And there’s no place in the world like Las Vegas to have a Formula One.”

Despite the initial growing pains that come with hosting such a massive event, Segerblom is optimistic about the long-term prospects for the city. He notes that the F1 franchise typically allows local people to run the race, but in this case, the F1 organization is in charge of the whole thing, recognizing the incredible potential for Las Vegas as an F1 destination. He continued:

“I’ve been told that every other F1 is actually a franchise where the local people actually run the race.

“This one, Formula One, didn’t want to franchise it. They’re in charge of the whole thing because they realised what a great boom this was going to be too.”

The event is set for a long-term position on the F1 calendar until 2032.

–A Las Vegas KTNV Report–

The Formula 1 Las Vegas race may be more than seven months away, but preparations are becoming more visible.

People visit the Las Vegas Strip to be entertained, but visitors saw one of the most well known streets being torn up.

“They are digging it all up, it’s crazy,” said Richard Stroovant from Calgary, Canada.

“[I] was wondering what was happening,” said Anthony Vadall from Tucson. “A water break or what?”

Crews are repaving the section for the 3.8 mile racetrack for the November F1 Grand Prix race. They will be using a unique material suitable for the cars that will be racing hundreds of miles per hour.

Because of the closure, some visitors are getting out of cars and walking.

“This is horrible,” said one taxi driver to KTNV.

The repaving on the Strip will last through May 19. It will then continue along the track route. The final repaving will take place through September. While the repaving is underway for the race in front of Treasure Island, about a mile away from there, construction is continuing for the F1 Paddock Facility.