LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — As the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix prepares to resume next month, local businesses are feeling the impact of the preparations, especially the construction of temporary bridges at Flamingo and Koval.
The project has already led to several lawsuits from affected business owners.
Wade Vaughn, owner of Jay’s Market on the corner of Flamingo and Koval, expressed frustration with the situation. “Why does this keep happening? I just don’t understand it,” Vaughn said. He noted that his business has decreased by 65% this week alone as bridge construction has cut off access to gas pumps.
“We’ve been dealing with these guys for over a year and they say they’re communicating with us. They’re not communicating with us,” Vaughn said. “They tell us what we’re going to do, and we have to live with it. That’s a type of communication.”
Vaughn reports that the bridge cut off access to his store and several others in the area last year, costing his store $3.5 million. At least five neighboring businesses have filed suit. Vaughn, who has cut his workforce from 12 to five, said the situation has resulted in an increase in thefts.
Lori Nelson-Craft, F1’s senior vice president of corporate affairs, said changes were made to the bridge this year to improve access. “Since last year, we’ve changed the bridge from four lanes to two lanes, which will improve access to all of these businesses,” Nelson-Craft said. She added that F1 has been communicating with residents through reader boards about access points.
Connie Benson, a visitor from Virginia, said the detour was difficult. “The taxi from the airport took so long that we had to take a detour to get through the traffic lights, cross the intersection and go back in the opposite direction,” Benson said.
Vaughn has not yet filed his own lawsuit, but has indicated he may do so soon. “Maybe this year instead of losing more than last year, I’ll only lose a few million dollars? That means I’ll still be losing money. So I’m not sure what would be better for me. No,” he said.
The F1 event, considered the largest sporting event in Las Vegas history, is scheduled for November 21st to 23rd.
The temporary bridge is scheduled to be dismantled the week of Dec. 16 as crews prepare for other events, including the National Finals Rodeo.
