Pedestrian Bridge Joining Venetian and Mirage/Treasure Island Opens One Month Ahead of Schedule; Project Opened in Time for New Year's Eve Celebration
LAS VEGAS / Jan. 2, 2001--In an effort to improve pedestrian safety and vehicular circulation at one of the busiest intersections on the Strip, The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino teamed with the Mirage, Treasure Island and Clark County to construct Las Vegas Boulevard's newest pedestrian bridge.
Built at a cost of $4 million, the bridge spans 200 feet across Las Vegas Boulevard (just south of Sands Avenue), connecting The Venetian to the Mirage/Treasure Island with funding divided equally between the two companies.
The bridge, designed in a style reflecting the existing architecture of The Venetian and Mirage/Treasure Island, is 12 feet wide and stands between 16-20 feet above the ground. Escalators, elevators and stairs form the base on each side of the street.
"By opening the pedestrian bridge, we hope to improve access to all of the properties in the area while ensuring pedestrian safety," said David Friedman, assistant to the chairman of Las Vegas Sands Inc., developers of The Venetian.
"The mere fact that we were able to complete this project a month ahead of schedule is a testament to the tremendous cooperation from MGM MIRAGE and Clark County in putting this project together. It is sure to be a great asset to the Strip," added Friedman.
"The Venetian/Treasure Island pedestrian bridge is the latest in Clark County's efforts to improve pedestrian safety and minimize traffic congestion on the Strip," said Bruce Woodbury, chairman, Clark County Commission. "Most importantly, the bridge allows pedestrians a safe and quick way to cross Las Vegas Boulevard," added Woodbury.
The Venetian and Mirage/Treasure Island pedestrian bridge is the first part of Clark County's next bridge system, which will add two pedestrian bridges across Sands Avenue and Spring Mountain Avenue, as well as another bridge across Las Vegas Boulevard, north of the intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and Sands Avenue.
The county is preparing to commence construction on those bridges in 2001, furthering efforts to improve vehicular circulation and pedestrian safety in Las Vegas, while increasing foot traffic to Strip businesses.