This controversial Las Vegas bridge has made headlines, marking the very last in a series of structures that were created to lead to Formula 1’s Las Vegas Grand Prix arena. While it once was held in high regard due to the money that it could infuse into the local scene, it’s now set to be torn down no later than February 1st, per MSN. Here’s what you need to know.
Several business owners have gone online and to other sources to air their grievances about the new Las Vegas Grand Prix bridge that was built to accommodate events at the racing center. The claim? They lost many millions of dollars as a result of the aforementioned bridge, significantly limiting their earnings potential per MSN.
There was no discrimination by business type when it came to the alleged lack of earnings, either. MSN notes that gift shop owners and restaurant managers alike complained about the Flamingo Road-area bridge, noting that construction closures and installation have cost them an alleged $23 million in losses due to logistical blocking and hardship.
Per MSN, adjacent business owners sent written complaints to the Clark County Commission and Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, requesting removal prior to the February 2024 Super Bowl.
If their demands were not met, many of the letters threatened to undergo a class action lawsuit directly against the city, per MSN.
As a result, Formula 1 released a public statement saying that the bridge removal will begin in the end of January, culminating in a final removal on February 1st. This would be an attempt to satisfy business owners and stakeholders, as their potential for Super Bowl earnings would be left intact.
This demolition project wouldn’t be without consequences, however. MSN notes that the traffic would have to be shut down to allow the tear-down to take place, as numerous construction trucks and machinery have to come through to support the project.
The Lives Behind The Story: The Widespread Effects Of The Formula 1 Bridge
The F1 race in November of 2023 was a tremendous event for the city. Trees and fountains were removed and drained, the skyline was blocked, and there were hundreds of temporary structures placed to make it possible. However, the effects spread beyond the race and affected the local community.
Rideshare services took a tremendous hit, as clients were unhappy with the time it took to reach their destinations. Casino businesses reported major losses to MSN, coming in at an estimated loss of $4.5 million. Other businesses lost hundreds of daily strip-based customers, costing additional thousands per day in possible revenue.
Why, you might ask? Well, it’s allegedly due to traffic caused by the bridge.
This removal, while costly, empowers business owners to profit and remain on the strip — and is long overdue, according to the accounts of many interviewed by MSN.
