F1 efforts change to Flamingo, Koval bridge after nearby business concerns

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Drivers who want to get to Jay’s Market at Flamingo and Koval for gas, drinks or snacks, now have one less access point into the business.

This is due to road closures from construction on a temporary bridge for the F1 race in November.

“If we knew this was closed, I wouldn’t have come down here,” said Brandon Strain.

Brandon Strain does a lot of work in the area and is frustrated with road closures.

“I love the race but what it’s doing to Vegas, and making it harder for us to work, that just adds on another hour to our tickets,” said Strain.

Wade Bohn owns Jay’s Market and told FOX5 Monday he lost $3.5 million last year during F1 construction and the race.

He is worried about losing money again this year, especially with one of his access points now blocked off for the construction of the temporary bridge.

The access point is on Flamingo, which is closed in both directions next to his store. Another access point runs along Koval. That one is currently open.

But he says there will be four to five days when Koval will be closed for bridge construction, saying the Koval access will then be at a dead-end street.

Bohn says he expects to lose up to 70 precent of business during those days. He also told FOX5 construction isn’t as bad right now, compared to last year, when crews were repaving for the racetrack.

That repaving is not necessary this year.

Bohn also said F1 told him the bridge, when it’s complete, will not impede traffic for his access point on Flamingo because the bridge will be in the south lanes only. But Bohn believes people will avoid the area altogether because of construction.

The owner is asking people not to avoid the area, his store and other nearby businesses.

FOX5 reached out to F1 about Bohn’s concerns. The following is a statement from F1 Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Lori Nelson-Kraft.

The Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix runs from Thursday, November 21 through Saturday, November 23.

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