Landscape and Aesthetics Plan

Description

A landscape and aesthetics plan is being developed for these projects that reflect and recognize the natural beauty of the Nevada landscape as well as the simplicity experienced through the diverse color tones found in the Boulder City area. Through the exploration of the color palette the colors were chosen to blend into the landscape and render the natural Nevada landscape as the dominant feature in the field of view. This concept gives the importance back to the natural beauty of the existing landscape while attempting to simplify the driving experience. The colors of the bridges match the existing soil, rocks and vegetation of the existing landscape. By the choosing the appropriate colors for the highway modifications this will produce highway structures which become insignificant elements in the landscape.

The draft Southern US 95 and US 93 Landscape and Aesthetics corridor plan describes this roadway section as part of the Mountain Desert Vista Landscape Segment.  There are a number design objectives associated with the Boulder City Bypass.  The overarching approach to this road segment is preserving the landscape character.  Project design objectives from the corridor plan include:

• Utilizing existing native vegetation to preserve the aesthetic integrity of the roadside and viewshed.
• Prevent degradation of surrounding landscape, including minimizing vegetation removal during construction.
• Revegetate disturbed highway areas with native seed mix and salvaged plant materials where possible.
• Re-grade, stain, and revegetate rock cuts to blend with the adjacent hillside.
• Preserve scenic views and viewshed from the highway.
• Incorporate the Place Name Sign program at areas with significant historical or natural features.
• Incorporate a separated, shared-use trail within the right-of-way where possible.
• Screen or visually blend maintenance facilities from the roadway.
• Identify locations for new wildlife crossings and opportunities for improvements to existing wildlife crossings.

In addition, a number of ideas related to the character and importance of the surrounding communities were identified during a series of stakeholder Technical Review Committee (TRC) meetings.  These include:

• Recognition of the history of Boulder City.
• Accentuate the architectural and engineering successes associated with the Hoover Dam.
• Provide linkages to the River Mountain trail network.

Project Status