Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Charleston Alternatives Analysis? 
It is a process to study transformative transportation investment on Charleston Blvd. The study is an effort by the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Southern Nevada and the City of Las Vegas to improve the travel experience along Charleston Boulevard. This project will introduce faster, safer, and more reliable transportation options while enhancing safety and accessibility for everyone traveling along the corridor. 

Why is Charleston Boulevard the focus of this project?

Charleston Boulevard is one of the busiest streets in Las Vegas for motorists and transit riders, with over 12,000 daily transit riders and significant traffic congestion. It is also part of the city’s High Injury Network, where a high percentage of serious crashes occur. The corridor connects key destinations like Downtown Summerlin, the Las Vegas Medical District, and Downtown Las Vegas, making it a critical route for both local and regional mobility. 

Charleston serves a main street function without a main street feel. So many people travel through the corridor on any given day, but there are few vibrant neighborhood hubs along the route that draw people in, great places where people want to gather and spend time. Nearby areas like the Arts District provide a contrast to the vacant lots which line portions of the corridor today, signaling its underinvestment while also reflecting abundant possibilities. All throughout the corridor exist opportunities for bustling neighborhood centers, great places that people are proud of and want to visit, which reflect the character and culture of their surroundings. 

Beyond benefits within the corridor, improved mobility on Charleston keeps the economy of Las Vegas moving, growing and thriving. It connects businesses with employees and connects workers to their livelihoods. Even for those just passing through Charleston, connecting people to their destination safely, quickly and reliably keeps our whole city moving well. 

What is being studied?

• Enhanced Safety: Safer and more comfortable spaces for people traveling along Charleston Boulevard, especially for those on foot or riding their bicycles.
• More Capacity: Move more people through the boulevard more efficiently, reducing congestion and travel times while improving reliability.
• Improved Transit: Deliver faster, safer, more frequent, and reliable service.
• Growth: Adapt the transportation system to keep up with rapid regional growth.
• Connected Corridors: Link to major corridors like Downtown Las Vegas, Maryland Parkway, Boulder Highway, and the Resort Corridor.
• Quality of Life: Improve access to jobs, education, healthcare, and recreation.
• Community Benefits: Provide opportunities for economic development, new jobs, housing, community beautification, and new neighborhood hubs.

What will the project improve?
The project will improve:

• Travel experience: Safe and seamless travel experience for people who walk, bicycle, take transit or drive in the corridor, where people can move easefully and safely, have a myriad of great transportation options, and know that whatever they choose will provide them with quick, convenient and reliable access to wherever they’re headed along Charleston. 
• Safety: Enhanced crosswalks, wider sidewalks, improved lighting, and better transit stations. 
• Quality of Life: Better access to jobs, schools, services and essential community destinations for everyone. Beautification and creation of vibrant neighborhood hubs. 
• Economic Growth: Encouraging transit-oriented development (TOD) with mixed-use neighborhoods. 
• Experience for Drivers: Alleviating traffic congestion due to regional growth by providing a high-quality alternative to driving, and improving road safety.

How does this project support safety?

Charleston Boulevard has one of the highest rates of crashes that involve people walking or riding bicycles in the city. Safety upgrades, such as wider sidewalks, accessible curb ramps, improved crossings, better lighting, and dedicated space for people biking, will make the corridor safer for all users, both on Charleston and on connecting routes to the corridor.

Who will benefit from this project?

• The project will serve all people traveling in the corridor now, including: 
• Everyone who travels through Charleston Blvd on a regular basis. 
• Transit riders who need faster, more reliable service. 
• Residents of communities with fewer cars or limited transportation options. 
• Businesses seeking better customer access. 
• Employers who need connections to the workplace for their employees. 
• People who drive and would be affected by increasing traffic congestion as the region grows. 
• People who walk and bike who need safer streets and crossings. 
• People moving to or within the corridor, who will benefit from more high-quality housing options. 

What is the timeline for this project?

This study is the first step towards a improved mobility experience on Charleston. 

We are currently at the initial stages of this process with the study of alternatives. The study began in 2024 and will continue through 2026. After the study is complete, the project will go through environmental review and preliminary engineering.

How is this project funded? 

Funding will likely include a mix of local, state, and federal sources, with opportunities to leverage grants and other resources. 

What is the role of transit-oriented development (TOD) in this project?

TOD refers to creating mixed-use, walkable neighborhoods near transit stations so that getting to and from your beginning and end destination is more convenient. Better transportation has the potential to spur new economic opportunities, affordable housing, and vibrant community spaces along Charleston Boulevard.

What other plans or studies support this project?

Over the past decade, multiple plans, including the City of Las Vegas 2050 Master Plan and the RTC On Board Mobility Plan, have recommended High-Capacity Transit for Charleston Boulevard. These plans highlight the need for improved transit, safety, and economic growth in the corridor.

How can I stay involved?

We are actively seeking input from the Charleston Boulevard Community! If you live, work, or travel in the corridor, we invite you to help shape the study outcomes through participating in this process. You can respond to our survey, speak with us at community events, or contact us at CharlestonBlvd@rtcsnv.com. 

Keep an eye on this website for the latest updates: charlestonblvd.com or follow us on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.