15 Landscape and Aesthetics Corridor Plan

Home , Corn Creek Wash, Decomposed granite, Lost City Museum, Valley of Fire Road

- 15 landscape and aesthetics corridorI-15 FROM plan PRIMM TO MESQUITE CORRIDOR PLAN

DESIGN WORKSHOP MacKay & Somps JW Zunino & Assoc. CH2MHill Jones & Jones

August 3, 2005

1-15 corridor plan Endorsement

MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR OF NEVADA MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR KENNY C. GUINN NEVADA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION JEFFREY FONTAINE, P.E.

On June 30, 2002, the Nevada Department of Transportation adopted It is NDOT's responsibility to ensure that landscaping and aesthetics as policy, "Pattern and Palette of Place: A Landscape and Aesthetics are an important consideration in building and retrofitting our high-

Master Plan for the Nevada State Highway System". Now, the second way system. This Landscape and Aesthetics Corridor Plan for I-15 in phase of planning is complete. This I-15 Landscape and Aesthetics Northern Nevada helps realize our vision for the future appearance of

Corridor Plan represents a major step forward for the Landscape and our highways. The plan will provide the guidance for our own design

Aesthetics program created by the Master Plan. It is significant teams as well as help Nevada's citizens play an important role in the because it involves local public agencies and citizens in the planning context-sensitive solutions for today's transportation needs. process so that Nevada's highways truly represent the State and its Together, we will ensure our highways reflect Nevada's distinctive people. The Corridor Plan will be the primary management tool used heritage, landscape, and culture. to guide funding allocations, promotes appropriate aesthetic design, and provides for the incorporation of highway elements that unique- ly express Nevada's landscape, communities, and cities, as well as its people. The State considers this Corridor Plan to be a major accom- plishment for the future of Nevada highways.

i 1-15 corridor plan Endorsement

ENDORSEMENT

This Corridor Plan has been reviewed by the following groups and agencies:

City of Boulder City City of Henderson City of Las Vegas City of Mesquite City of North Las Vegas Clark County Comprehensive Planning Steering Committee Clark County Department of Air Quality Management Clark County Department of Public Works Clark County Neighborhood and Town Services Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce The Nature Conservancy Nevada Department of Transportation, District 1 Office Nevada Division of Forestry Nevada Division of State Parks, Las Vegas Region Nevada Division of Wildlife, Southern Region North Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada Sierra Club, Southern Nevada Group Southern Nevada Homebuilders Southern Nevada Regional Planning Coalition Southern Nevada Water Authority University of Nevada, Las Vegas University of Nevada, Reno U.S. Bureau of Land Management U.S. Department of Transportation - Federal Highway Administration

ii 1-15 corridor plan Acknowledgements

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS NEVADA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION STATE TRANSPORTATION BOARD James R. Souba, P.E. - Former Assistant Chief Roadway Design Engineer Chairman Kenny C. Guinn Governor Rand Pollard, P.E. - Assistant Chief Roadway Design Engineer Kathy Augustine Controller Ron Blakemore - Supervising Landscape Architect Caesar Caviglia Member Lucy Joyce-Mendive - Senior Landscape Architect Tom Gust Member Susan Luescher - Assistant Landscape Architect Lorraine Hunt Lt. Governor Brian Sandoval Attorney General UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, LAS VEGAS LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE AND Jim Thornton Member PLANNING RESEARCH OFFICE Mark Elison Hoversten - Professor, FASLA, AICP STTAC (Statewide Transportation Technical Advisory Committee) Susan Jones - Research Associate, ASLA Jim Bell Larry Friedman Elizabeth Scott - Research Associate, ASLA Randy Bellard Debra Goodwin Brian Pugh - Research Assistant, ASLA Kristine Bunnell Mella Harmon Daryl Capurro Sig Jaunarajs CONSULTANT TEAM Bill Cadwallader Charlie Kajkowski DESIGN WORKSHOP Kent Cooper Neil Krutz Richard W. Shaw - Principal, FASLA Daryl Crawford Jim Lawrence Steve Noll - Principal, ASLA Carl Dahlen Bruce Mackey Stephanie Grigsby - Associate Joe Damiani Marty Manning Kristofer Johnson - Landscape Planner Jerry Duke Rod Savini Sara Muir-Owen - Planner Keyth Durham Ron Skunes Laura Miller - Landscape Designer Jon Ekstrand Gary Stockoff Eric Roverud - Landscape Designer John Flansberg Steve Weaver Lisa McGuire - Graphic Designer David Fraser Jenny Welsh Nino Pero - Website Designer Kelan Smith - Environmental Graphics TECHNICAL REVIEW COMMITTEE Dori Johnson - Project Assistant Sue Baker Jim Mallery Cindy Beauchamp Ron Marlow JW ZUNINO Doug Bennett Mary Martini Jack Zunino - Principal, FASLA Thomas Brady Richard Milewski Cecilia Schafler - Landscape Architect, ASLA Lisa Calderwood Eduardo Miranda Geoffrey Schafler - Landscape Coordinator, ASLA Denis Cederburg Sherie Moore Mike Duran Jim Moore CH2MHILL Cheri Edelman Johanna Murphy Cindy Potter - P.E. Civil Engineer, Principal Jane Feldman Greg Novak Dean Mottram - P.E. Civil Engineer Jill Flores Jan Prida Dan Andersen - Public Facilitator Greg Graham Chuck Richter Cameron Harper Kurt Sawyer MACKAY AND SOMPS (PLACES, INC.) Ed James Roddy Shepard Barbara Santner - Landscape Architect and Planner, ASLA, AICP Terry Johnson Dennis Slinn Tom Guyer - Landscape Architect, ASLA John James Greg Toth Louise Kehmeier - Landscape Architect Charles Kajkowski Hannah Visser Margie Klein Sue Wainscott JONES AND JONES Rob LeVrant Jon Wardlaw James Sipes - Landscape Architect and Digital Database Development, ASLA Rudy Malfabon Ana Wharton Corey Parker - Associate Denna Woodbury iii iv 1-15 corridor plan Summary

I-15 CORRIDOR PLAN SUMMARY and growth, water availability, land the beginning of the chapter is a the theme and design objectives of the AND USER’S GUIDE ownership, and natural resources is dis- description of softscape and hardscape segment is provided giving the reader cussed. A detailed analysis of the ter- types. These represent increasing lev- a sense of the design aesthetic that is This plan illustrates a detailed vision rain surrounding the I-15 corridor, els of visual enhancement, amenity, appropriate and desired within the for the landscape and aesthetics of the including viewsheds to significant nat- cost, and maintenance, and have been segment. Maps and sections of the I-15 corridor. This vision synthesizes ural features and environmental fea- prescribed across the entire I-15 corri- individual Landscape Design Segments historic, current, and future conditions tures, is also presented. This informa- dor. Additional items included in the provide further detail regarding the How to Use the Corridor Plan for a into a comprehensive guide to improve tion is then synthesized in a series of Elements of Landscape and Aesthetics location of specific projects and where Segment of I-15: the visual appearance of I-15 from the Opportunities and Constraints maps are a roadside signage program, vary- the varying levels of softscape types California stateline at Primm to the that specifically identify project oppor- ing degrees of enhanced road services, and hardscape treatments are to be Arizona border at Mesquite. tunities along three distinct segments a native wildflower program, and an achieved. • Refer to the section beginning on page of the corridor. These chapters should effort to minimize the visual impacts 3.1 to determine the softscape and The first chapter of this report pro- be read carefully so design decisions of outdoor advertising and billboards. Design guidelines are included in the hardscape type and treatment. vides an introduction to the NDOT will be made with a solid analytical fifth chapter to articulate qualitative Landscape and Aesthetics program, the basis rooted in the physical and histor- Detailed analysis and further under- design for all aspects of the corridor. public participation process that has ical nature of the area. standing of the I-15 corridor resulted in These apply at all levels of engineering • Refer to the section beginning on page influenced the program, and the mech- the creation of three distinct, yet con- and facility planning and design. The 4.1 to determine the Landscape Design anism by which the design of the corri- The third chapter, Elements of sistent, Landscape Design Segments: final chapter describes funding and Segment and design theme. dor will be managed. The second chap- Landscape and Aesthetics, is critical to Gateway to Nevada’s Excitement, project priorities for each segment of ter sets the foundation for many of the understanding the types of enhance- Dynamic Desert Metropolis, and the I-15 corridor. design and project decisions discussed ments and traveler amenities that will Mojave High Desert. These segments • Refer to the section beginning on page later in the report. In this chapter, be provided through the NDOT are examined individually in the fourth 4.3 for design objectives and intended information regarding demographics Landscape and Aesthetics program. At chapter of this report. A description of future context.

• Refer to the section beginning on page 4.7 for design interpretation.

• Refer to the section beginning on page 5.1 for specific design guidelines.

• Refer to the section beginning on page 6.1 for project priorities and a description of funding and costs.

This Corridor Plan is a management tool that will direct decisions made on Nevada’s Interstate Highway system with the goal of considering landscape and aesthetics as an integrated part of all design undertaken by NDOT and the community partners within the state. v 1-15 corridor plan Table of Contents TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION ...... 1.0 NDOT HIGHWAY LANDSCAPE AND AESTHETICS - THE VISION ...... 1.1 PURPOSE OF THE CORRIDOR PLAN ...... 1.1 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS ...... 1.2 CORRIDOR DESIGN MANAGEMENT ...... 1.3 OVERVIEW OF CORRIDOR PLAN ...... 1.4

2. BACKGROUND INFORMATION ...... 2.0 PRESENT & FUTURE COMMUNITY GROWTH ...... 2.1 ANTICIPATED URBAN CHANGES ...... 2.1 LAND OWNERSHIP ...... 2.1 WATER RESOURCE AVAILABILITY ...... 2.2 COMMUNITY SETTLEMENT PATTERNS ...... 2.2 TRAVEL AND TOURISM PATTERNS ...... 2.2 NATURAL RESOURCES ...... 2.3 VIEWSHEDS AND DISTANCE ZONES ...... 2.3 VISUAL ANALYSIS ...... 2.3 ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS ...... 2.8 OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS ...... 2.8

3. ELEMENTS OF LANDSCAPE AND AESTHETICS ...... 3.0 ELEMENTS OF LANDSCAPE AND AESTHETICS ...... 3.1 SOFTSCAPE TYPES AND TREATMENTS ...... 3.2 STRUCTURES AND HARDSCAPE TYPES AND TREATMENTS ...... 3.6 NEVADA PLACE NAME SIGN PROGRAM ...... 3.8 ROAD SERVICES PROGRAM ...... 3.10 NATIVE WILDFLOWER PROGRAM ...... 3.12 INVASIVE AND NOXIOUS WEED CONTROL ...... 3.12 OUTDOOR ADVERTISING ...... 3.13 SCENIC HIGHWAY DESIGNATION ...... 3.14 ANTI-LITTERING CAMPAIGN AND SIGNAGE ...... 3.15

4. LANDSCAPE DESIGN SEGMENTS ...... 4.0 LANDSCAPE DESIGN SEGMENTS ...... 4.1 SEGMENT 1 - GATEWAY TO NEVADA’S EXCITEMENT ...... 4.3 SEGMENT 2 - DYNAMIC DESERT METROPOLIS ...... 4.10 SEGMENT 3 - MOJAVE HIGH DESERT ...... 4.23

5. DESIGN GUIDELINES ...... 5.0

6. GUIDELINES AND COST ANALYSIS ...... 6.0 OVERVIEW ...... 6.1 PROCESS ...... 6.1 APPLICATION OF DESIGN GUIDELINES ...... 6.1 COST ANALYSIS ...... 6.3 MAINTENANCE COSTS ...... 6.7 PROJECT FUNDING ...... 6.8

7. PRIORITY PROJECTS ...... 7.0

8. CONCLUSION ...... 8.0

A. TECHNICAL APPENDIX - VEGETATION REMEDIATION ...... A.0

B. REFERENCES ...... B.0 vi 1-15 corridor plan Table of Contents MAPS AND ILLUSTRATIONS

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ...... 2.0 MAP A: VIEWSHED AND DISTANCE ZONES ...... 2.5 MAP B: VISUAL ANALYSIS: GATEWAY TO NEVADA’S EXCITEMENT LANDSCAPE DESIGN SEGMENT ...... 2.6 MAP C: VISUAL ANALYSIS: DYNAMIC DESERT METROPOLIS LANDSCAPE DESIGN SEGMENT ...... 2.7 MAP D: VISUAL ANALYSIS: MOJAVE HIGH DESERT LANDSCAPE DESIGN SEGMENT ...... 2.8 MAP E: ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS: GATEWAY TO NEVADA’S EXCITEMENT LANDSCAPE DESIGN SEGMENT ...... 2.9 MAP F: ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS: DYNAMIC DESERT METROPOLIS LANDSCAPE DESIGN SEGMENT ...... 2.10 MAP G: ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS: MOJAVE HIGH DESERT LANDSCAPE DESIGN SEGMENT ...... 2.11

LANDSCAPE DESIGN SEGMENTS ...... 4.0 MAP H: LANDSCAPE DESIGN SEGMENTS ...... 4.2 MAP 1A: GATEWAY TO NEVADA’S EXCITEMENT - I-15: PRIMM TO SLOAN ...... 4.4 SECTION 1A: GATEWAY TO NEVADA’S EXCITEMENT - I-15: PRIMM TO SLOAN - LONGITUDINAL SECTION ...... 4.5 MAP 1B: GATEWAY TO NEVADA’S EXCITEMENT - I-15: PRIMM TO SLOAN - SPECIFIC CORRIDOR FEATURES ...... 4.6 MAP 2A: DYNAMIC DESERT METROPOLIS - LAS VEGAS METROPOLITAN AREA ...... 4.11 SECTION 2A: DYNAMIC DESERT METROPOLIS - I-15: SLOAN TO SPEEDWAY - LONGITUDINAL SECTION ...... 4.12 SECTION 2B: DYNAMIC DESERT METROPOLIS - I-215: SOUTH I-15/I-215 TO SPEEDWAY - LONGITUDINAL SECTION ...... 4.13 SECTION 2C: DYNAMIC DESERT METROPOLIS - US 95: SPAGHETTI BOWL TO KYLE CANYON - LONGITUDINAL SECTION ...... 4.14 SECTION 2D: DYNAMIC DESERT METROPOLIS - RAINBOW CURVE TO SUMMERLIN - LONGITUDINAL SECTION ...... 4.15 SECTION 2E: DYNAMIC DESERT METROPOLIS - I-215: SOUTH I-15/I-215 TO HENDERSON - LONGITUDINAL SECTION ...... 4.16 SECTION 2F: DYNAMIC DESERT METROPOLIS - I-515: SPAGHETTI BOWL TO RAILROAD PASS - LONGITUDINAL SECTION ...... 4.17 MAP 2B: DYNAMIC DESERT METROPOLIS - LAS VEGAS METROPOLITAN AREA - SPECIFIC CORRIDOR FEATURES ...... 4.18 MAP 3A: MOJAVE HIGH DESERT - I-15: SPEEDWAY TO MESQUITE ...... 4.24 SECTION 3A: MOJAVE HIGH DESERT - I-15: SPEEDWAY TO MESQUITE - LONGITUDINAL SECTION ...... 4.25 MAP 3B: MOJAVE HIGH DESERT - I-15: SPEEDWAY TO MESQUITE - SPECIFIC CORRIDOR FEATURES ...... 4.26

PRIORITY PROJECTS ...... 7.0 MAP 1C: GATEWAY TO NEVADA’S EXCITEMENT - I-15: PRIMM TO SLOAN - PRIORITY PROJECTS ...... 7.2 MAP 2C: DYNAMIC DESERT METROPOLIS - LAS VEGAS METROPOLITAN AREA - PRIORITY PROJECTS ...... 7.3 MAP 3C: MOJAVE HIGH DESERT - I-15: SPEEDWAY TO MESQUITE - PRIORITY PROJECTS ...... 7.4

vii

1-15 corridor plan Introduction

NDOT HIGHWAY LANDSCAPE AND PURPOSE OF THE CORRIDOR PLAN cent of total highway construction costs on all new AESTHETICS - THE VISION construction and capital improvements will be allo- Based on the vision and recommendations of the cated to landscape and aesthetic treatments. “Highways are aesthetic entities Nevada has a renewed commitment to landscape and Master Plan, the I-15 Landscape and Aesthetics Funding for the retrofit of landscape and aesthetic involving all the senses, much as a aesthetics as integral elements of the state's high- Corridor Plan has been developed. This plan includes improvements to existing highways is based on piece of architecture or sculpture ways. In 2002, the Nevada Department of landscape and aesthetic recommendations for all of matching state funds with a share of local money or does. A road is not just a linear ele- Transportation (NDOT) adopted the Landscape and Interstate 15 from the California border at Primm to in-kind contributions. ment composed of interlocking forms; Aesthetics Master Plan and with it the following vision the Arizona border at Mesquite, US-95 from it has depth and height, and should be for the state Highway system. Henderson north to the junction with SR-157 at Lee The Corridor Plan is a public/private partnership ini- considered as a three-dimensional Canyon, the I-215 beltway, and portions of I-515. The tiative. This unique initiative is guided by the part- form in all stages of design and con- “We envision a system of state highways Corridor Plan identifies the major design themes and nership policy outlined in the NDOT Landscape and struction. that reflect the land and people of Nevada. materials to be used in landscape and aesthetic Aesthetics Master Plan, which states that We believe that Nevada should have treatments, recommends the level of treatment to It is important that design and con- highways that are aesthetically pleasing, be applied to highway features in the corridor, pro- "Local communities, the public, other struction of roads fit the country or as well as safe and cost effective. Therefore, vides a broad cost estimate of treatments, and out- permitting agencies, and the private sector city where they are sited. This is the no state highway is complete until lines strategies for funding of construction and long- are encouraged to be involved in planning, only way in which the problem of rec- landscape and aesthetics are considered term maintenance. design, construction, and maintenance of onciling human perception with and addressed. “ transportation projects to express the machine speed can be solved. The Corridor Plan is a means to improve the aesthet- unique heritage, culture, and environment Today, it is the policy of the State of Nevada to consid- ic qualities of the I-15 corridor and associated high- of the state and its communities." When a highway is safe to drive on er landscape and aesthetics along with all other design ways, particularly as they relate to the adjacent and satisfying to use and observe, the factors in all transportation projects. Furthermore, cities, communities, and neighborhoods. The I-15 Furthermore, NDOT will work with local govern- problem of perception has been local communities, the public, other permitting agen- Landscape and Aesthetics Corridor Plan is intended to ments, private citizens, civic groups, and the business resolved and the road has both exter- cies, and the private sector are encouraged to be affect both existing highways as well as future community to develop cooperative agreements for nal and internal harmony.” involved in the planning, design, construction, and expansion projects. funding the design, construction, and maintenance of maintenance of transportation projects. Such a part- landscape and aesthetic improvements identified in - NDOT 1968 Aesthetics Manual nership will help to ensure Nevada's highway system Landscape and aesthetic treatments identified and this corridor plan. expresses the unique heritage, culture, and environ- prioritized in the Corridor Plan will be funded from a ment of the state and its communities. variety of sources. As a general rule, up to three per-

1.1 1-15 corridor plan Introduction

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS The public process involved a multi-layered approach to encourage maximum participation. Early and ongoing public involvement was critical to the success of the Landscape and Aesthetics Corridor • A Technical Review Committee (TRC), composed Plan. For this reason, NDOT fostered extensive public of a broad range of stakeholders, contributed sig- dialog at every stage of planning and development nificant local agency and community knowledge. engaging communities in helping to develop with local support. • The public was able to identify issues, ask ques- tions, and provide input at two public meetings. The public participation process provided stakeholders with a forum for sharing knowledge of their • A fact sheet was widely distributed to provide communities, identifying opportunities for enhanc- general information about the corridor plan. ing the landscape and aesthetics of the corridor, creating design objectives and guidelines for highways • The public was able to visit a corridor planning in their area, and prioritizing prospective projects. website to learn more about corridor planning and keep current on planning activities. The public participation process ensured:

(1) The first corridors to be planned have been the 1. Identification of issues and concerns of each • Individual stakeholder meetings were conducted interstate highway routes across the state: I-15 community. to ensure that all those who needed to be and I-80. Both of these corridor planning projects involved were involved. included an extensive public participation program. 2. A method, strategy, and action plan to address community concerns. 3. Opportunities for the public to express their • A media relations strategy was developed to (2) From the inception of the corridor planning process a level of support for the Corridor Plan. encourage even greater participation. Technical Review Committee provided knowledgeable input, ideas, and comments on the plan. Workshops have involved 4. Release of full information about the Corridor stakeholders and the general public. Plan through public meetings, the Corridor Plan Public participation and community involvement are website, and fact sheets. important components of the planning process because they have helped to ensure the recommendations outlined in this Corridor Plan reflect the ideas and suggestions of local community members.

1.2 1-15 corridor plan Introduction

CORRIDOR DESIGN MANAGEMENT

The I-15 Landscape and Aesthetics Corridor Plan is a Landscape Design Segment. A theme, or overarching design management tool for NDOT and others who idea, for the design is established and described. The will ultimately design specific highway projects. This development of projects within each Landscape plan establishes a context for these future projects Design Segment is guided by its theme, associated and through its recommendations, programs, and design objectives, a program of facilities with com- description of the intended result, guides the mon definitions, and examples that illustrate inter- (1) Previous phases of the corridor planning process pretation of the theme. Finally, design guidelines, Landscape and Aesthetics program for the I-15 corri- studied the natural landscape of the state in detail dor. estimated costs, and project priorities are estab- and applied recommendations for the highway cor- lished. NDOT will use the Corridor Plan to manage ridor. Prior to the design of a specific highway project, the design of specific projects. Figure 1, below, which may be a new facility, upgraded or a retro-fit- describes the steps in this process to direct the out- ted project, the corridor plan establishes how the come of the Landscape and Aesthetics program for project level design would fit within a particular this corridor.

Figure 1 (2) The landscape and aesthetics treatments for the urban Las Vegas portion of the I-15 corridor have the potential to positively shape the character of MASTER PLANNING CORRIDOR PLANNING PROJECT DESIGN PROCESS the city’s future. POLICIES THEME INTERPRETATION OF THEME DESIGN GUIDELINES SPECIFIC PROJECT

DETERMINE AND DEVELOP LAND- DETERMINE THE VISION, DEVELOP PROGRAM ESTABLISH DESCRIBE THEME FOR SCAPE DESIGN SEG- POLICIES, PROCESS, AND OF FACILITIES AND DESIGN EACH LANDSCAPE MENT OBJECTIVES PLANNING GUIDELINES TYPES OF TREATMENT GUIDELINES DESIGN SEGMENT TO BE APPLIED

POLICIES DETERMINE LEVEL OF PROGRAM TREATMENT WITH PARTNERSHIPS PRIORITIES CONTEXT FUNDING INITIATE MANAGE ESTIMATE NDOT PROJECT INDIVIDUAL DESIGN PROJECT COSTS DESIGN PROJECT PROCESS (3) The landscape and aesthetics treatments recognize the dynamic Las Vegas metropolitan character. DIRECT AND REVIEW INDIVIDUAL PROJECTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CORRIDOR PLAN RECOMMENDATION

1.3 1-15 corridor plan Introduction

OVERVIEW OF CORRIDOR PLAN Elements of Landscape and Aesthetics defines the Design Guidelines section provides a framework for functional purpose and visual intent of highway cor- improving landscape and aesthetics when designing In addition to this introduction, the Corridor Plan is ridor improvements. The Elements of Landscape and new and retrofit highway projects. The guidelines are comprised of seven major chapters: Aesthetics section describes varying levels of treat- written statements of desired performance to meet • Background Information ment for softscape as well as structures and hard- the design objectives of each Landscape Design • Elements of Landscape and Aesthetics scapes to be used in the corridor. This chapter also Segment. • Landscape Design Segments details a number of programs that should be consid- • Design Guidelines ered for highways on a statewide basis including: a Guidelines and Cost Estimates details a minimum

(1) River corridors and adjacent vegetation patterns • Cost Estimates place name signage program, road service program, level of landscape and aesthetics quality that all provide scenic interest while travelling along east- • Priority Projects native wildflower program, invasive and noxious NDOT highway projects should meet as described in ern I-15 and are rare ecosystems in this arid landscape. • Funding and Partnerships weed control program, outdoor advertising program, the design guidelines, along with a breakdown of and scenic highway designation program. costs associated with the levels of treatment for Background Information provides an overview of each design segment. important data related to the I-15 Corridor. This sec- Landscape Design Segments section describes the tion summarizes past, present and future communi- three main design segments: the Gateway to Priority Projects outlines the future projects as cur- ty growth along the corridor; describes land owner- Nevada's Excitement, Dynamic Desert Metropolis, rently identified by NDOT and the priority associat- ship patterns; briefly outlines water resource avail- and the Mojave High Desert. This section defines the ed with them to improve their landscape and aes- ability for Southern Nevada; identifies tourism and design themes and objectives for each design seg- thetics. travel patterns; and, summarizes natural resource ment. In addition, the Landscape Design Segments information. This section also provides a summary of section outlines the softscape and hardscape types Funding and Partnerships outlines the funding visual analysis, including viewsheds and distance and levels of treatment for specific locations along mechanisms and partnership opportunities that zones, environmental analysis that was conducted, the corridor, as well as specific corridor features that exist and/or will be established to implement the and offers an overview of opportunities and con- should be highlighted. Landscape and Aesthetics Corridor Plan. (2) The view toward Moapa Valley, located along the northeastern portion of I-15, is composed of straints along the I-15 corridor. A complete invento- dramatic colors, distinctive landforms, and unique ry of data and analysis of opportunities and con- vegetation communities. Color within the landscape is one attribute that creates a context for straints is included in the NDOT I-15 Landscape and sensitive design decisions. Aesthetics Corridor Plan: Technical Report Volume One - Background Information and in the NDOT I-15 Landscape and Aesthetics Corridor Plan: Opportunities and Constraints report. Both of these documents were published in 2004 and are available through NDOT.

1.4 1-15 corridor plan Background Information

PRESENT & FUTURE COMMUNITY GROWTH porated planning areas along I-215 is tied to the devel- available over a period of 20 years through auctions opment and improvement of the highway corridors. to the private sector for development. The substan- Southern Nevada's historic settlement is tied to trav- Outside of the Las Vegas Valley, other distinct set- tial growth and land use development of these cities el. In fact, the first people to place roots in Las Vegas tlement areas include Primm, located at the southern and communities, particularly amongst the unincor- Valley were travelers, not settlers. Those entering the end of I-15 at the Nevada/California border, and Jean porated planning areas along I-215 and the southern Valley were using the 2200 mile long Old Spanish approximately 13 miles northwest of Primm. In con- portion of I-15, will have the most significant Trail trade route, as well as a road through Death trast to the intense urban pattern of the Las Vegas impacts on use and aesthetics of highway corridors Valley established for Mormon travel between Salt Valley and the casino dominated settlements of in the Las Vegas Valley. Lake City and California. Today, the Las Vegas Valley Primm and Jean, settlement to the north of the I-15 is the quintessential 20th century city. The majority corridor outside of the Valley remains typically low in LAND OWNERSHIP of growth in the valley has occurred over a relatively density and rural. In fact, Mesquite is the only incor- short time - less than 100 years. And, over the last porated community north of the Valley along the I- The State of Nevada consists of 83% public land, the two decades, the Las Vegas Valley has seen extraor- 15 corridor. The urban settlement in Mesquite, par- highest percentage of federal lands among the con- dinary population growth. Between 1995 and 2001, ticularly along the south side, is surrounded by agri- tiguous 48 states, (BLM, 2000). The Bureau of Land the Valley's population increased from 1 million to cultural land and riparian areas of the Virgin River. Management (BLM) owns the bulk of the federal over 1.6 million people. Glendale, a small unincorporated village-like commu- lands with small and large in-holdings of other public

nity lies approximately 40 miles south of Mesquite agencies and private landowners. In southern (1) Clark County 2004 population estimate and At the time of this corridor plan, the Las Vegas Valley adjacent to I-15. Nevada, land is managed by BLM, U.S Fish and Wildlife projected urban growth areas. The blue line indi- cates the public lands disposal boundary in which Service, Department of Defense, National Park was continuing to grow with an average of 5000 new federal land will become private. residents moving into the area every month. Most ANTICIPATED URBAN CHANGES Service, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs local market observers believe that the rapid growth (BIA) regional agencies, local jurisdictions and private of the 1990s will give way to slower, yet steady The anticipated urban changes over the next twenty landowners. Federal agencies own 89% of Clark growth through the next decade. Based on commu- years most likely to influence the I-15 corridor (and County lands. The rural land adjacent to I-15 (outside nity plan population projections, by the year 2020 related study area including portions of I-515; US 95; of NDOT's right-of-way) belongs to BLM, BIA and the the Valley may be home to nearly 3 million people. and, I-215) will occur in the City of Las Vegas; the City Department of Defense. In urban areas, the land is of North Las Vegas; the City of Henderson; and, the primarily under private land ownership. The Las Vegas Valley settlement pattern alongside unincorporated communities of Enterprise, Lone 2,000,000 9% the I-15 corridor (including portions of I-515, US95, Mountain, Spring Valley and Summerlin South of 1,800,000 8% and I-215) is characterized by intense urban and sub- Clark County. The Southern Nevada Public Land 1,600,000 7% 1,400,000 6% urban development and growth. The I-15 corridor Management Act, legislated in 1998, resulted in the 1,200,000 5% Land Disposal Boundary which now serves as an 1,000,000 passes through a number of incorporated and unin- 4% 800,000 Population

3% Percentage Growth Rate corporated communities, including the City of North outer limit to private sector development in the 600,000 Las Vegas, the City of Las Vegas, the City of Valley. Though the Disposal Boundary serves as a 400,000 2% 200,000 1% Henderson, as well as seven unincorporated planning growth boundary to the region, approximately 0% 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 areas of Clark County. Growth and development of 27,000 acres of Bureau of Land Management land Population Growth Rate these communities, particularly amongst the unincor- within the Land Disposal Boundary will be made Figure 2: Clark County Historic and Projected Population

2.1 1-15 corridor plan Background Information

Land ownership affects land use and the visual char- where develop an attachment to a geographic place, is the staging, or jumping off point, to other very acter of the landscape. Public agencies such as BLM characterized by a set of natural boundaries that are popular national tourism destinations such as the and the U.S. Forest Service operate under a multiple- created by physical, biological, social, cultural, and Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, and Lake Mead. use mandate. From the highway, drivers see evidence economic systems. (Kent and Baharav, 2002, Kent of grazing, mining, power generation, and tourism and Preister, 1999). Unique beliefs, traditions, and Las Vegas hosted 35 million visitors in 2003, (Las throughout the multiple-use federal lands. In the stories tie people to a specific place, to the land, and Vegas Conference Bureau). Approximately 15 million greater Las Vegas area, where land is private, devel- to social/kinship networks, the reflection and func- tourists are traveling annually by car north and south opment in its different forms predominates. NDOT tion of which is called "culture". along the I-15 corridor to Las Vegas. Approximately may have flexibility or influence over the visual char- six million visitors are then traveling the portions of acter of public lands adjacent to the right-of-way The Human Geographic Map of Nevada included in the I-15 corridor to visit other destinations, as because of the possibility of interagency agree- Figure 3 is based on the published result and defini- described above. The I-15 corridor informs, and is ments. Public lands with a single-use permit, such as tions of the boundaries (Kent and Schultz, 1993, map informed by, the travel and tourism patterns of the Department of Defense, National Park Service, or updated in 2000). Social Resource Units are the these visitors. There are likely few other highways in Wilderness Study Areas within BLM lands, are not aggregation of small units defined by cultural the country that are used as extensively for vacation immediately located adjacent to I-15, but can be descriptions. Often a river basin, for example, is the and/or pleasure travel purposes. The I-15 corridor is a seen in the background. basis of shared history, lifestyle, livelihood and out- vital connection and travel route to major tourism look. Social ties are created by action around issues destinations and travel attractions in Southern WATER RESOURCE AVAILABILITY and common values. Nevada and the rest of the state.

(1) This annual precipitation map reveals how The availability of adequate infrastructure may con- Social Resource Units are characterized by a sense of Figure 3 much of Nevada is arid, especially southern strict the supply of developable land. The most press- belonging. These districts represent the boundaries Nevada. Nevada is the driest state in the US. ing infrastructure concern in the Las Vegas Valley is within which people already mobilize to meet life's an adequate water resource and delivery system. challenges, see Figure 3. These social divisions have This is a major issue, and particularly pertinent at the been important in determining the boundaries of time of this report due to a sustained drought peri- the Landscape Design Segments contained in this od. It is anticipated that after the year 2016, there Corridor Plan. Participation in Technical Review will be limited water resources to meet demand. Committees, based on these boundaries, has provid- Ultimately, Southern Nevada's continued growth ed place-based knowledge and stakeholder input. depends on the ability to tap into additional water resource supplies. In addition to future population TRAVEL AND TOURISM PATTERNS growth and land use development for each community, the uncertain water resource availability in the Southern Nevada provides a host of tourism and valley will require water conserving design for land- travel opportunities. Coined the "Las Vegas Territory" scape and aesthetics projects. Many communities by the Nevada Commission on Tourism, southern and water districts have landscape ordinances and Nevada offers diverse cultural and regional charac- policies that focus on this aspect of landscape design ter. From over 20 world-renowned casinos such as and other standards that are relevant to appropriate the Bellagio, the Luxor, and the Mirage within Clark landscape design. County, to the Desert National Wildlife Refuge - the largest national wildlife refuge in the lower 48 states COMMUNITY SETTLEMENT PATTERNS - Southern Nevada is considered a genuine tourist This figure represents major Mecca. In addition to the diversity of cultural and human geographic divisions in Nevada that reflect com- The geography of settlement along Nevada's I-15 regional features found within this territory, mon boundaries of the set- corridor has been studied and mapped. People every- Southern Nevada, particularly the Las Vegas region, tlement patterns.

2.2 1-15 corridor plan Background Information

TRANSPORTATION AND ARRIVAL eco-regions - the Great Basin, Mojave Desert, Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat Columbia Plateau, and Sierra Nevada. Of these, the Nevada is renowned for its variety of wildlife and The Las Vegas valley’s steady flow from tourism and Great Basin and Mojave Desert eco-regions are part vegetative habitats that include more than 3800 incoming residents presents several transportation of the I-15 corridor. plant and animal species, and some of the most bio- planning challenges. Increased demands on the air- logically diverse eco-regions in North America. port and valley road systems has sparked much con- The Mojave Desert covers the state's south tip and Nevada is inhabited by a large number of species and cern by local citizens and urban planners. Clearly consists of broad valleys and fewer mountain ranges subspecies that are unique to the state. there is a need for alternative transportation. than the Great Basin. There are some perennial stream reaches and numerous springs in the area, Habitat for large mammals is limited to the fact that (1) This bridge on I-70 near the continental divide in Currently, feasibility studies, environmental studies, but water is a precious commodity in the desert. The much of the land surrounding the I-15 corridor is Colorado was constructed without center piers to and potential funding sources are being researched Colorado River, a major regional river, flows through part of the Mohave Desert. Elk are currently found in frame the view of the mountain range beyond. This underpass window enhances the view for the driver. for the following variety of alternatives: the eastern portion of the eco-region, and other several locations in northeastern and central Nevada. important area-wide streams include the Amargosa, There is elk habitat just west of Las Vegas, but there • A passenger and cargo airport in the Ivanpah Muddy, Virgin, Meadow Valley, and White Rivers. are no elk habitat areas that cross the I-15 corridor. Valley, lessening the load on McCarran Mule deer is the most common wild ungulate found International Airport. Vegetation Communities in Nevada today, with more than 145,000 located in • A high speed intercity passenger rail line from The physiographic region primarily influencing vege- the northern portion of the state. Bighorn sheep is California to the Las Vegas metropolitan area tation along I-15 is the Mojave Desert of southern one of the most distinctive and easily recognized (additionally servicing the potential Ivanpah air- Nevada. In general, most of the land along the high- desert animals. There are scattered bighorn sheep port). way is arid, with the exception of areas where rivers habitat areas throughout the I-15 corridor, some of • A valley wide light rail system utilizing the old and streams are sustaining pockets of riparian vege- which crosses the highway between Apex and Union Pacific tracks linking downtown Las Vegas tation with willows, alders, dogwoods and cotton- Garnet. There is also bighorn sheep habitat near to Henderson and North Las Vegas. woods. Some areas of salt marsh do not provide fer- Primm. tile grounds for the establishment of vegetation. I-15 Relative to the I-15 corridor, the Ivanpah airport will crosses mostly areas of creosote, bursage, black- Wildlife movement corridors are composed of con- introduce a new point of arrival into the Las Vegas brush, and bare land. tiguous habitat that provides shelter and food (2) Mojave Desert roadside vegetation community Valley. The current planning identifies the need for sources for resident and migratory wildlife species. is influenced by climate and specific adaptation to the conditions. In the southern portion of Nevada, the airport and airport site when the passenger load The vegetation communities found along I-15 There are very few movement corridors across the less than 4 inches of rainfall occurs in a year. at McCarran airport exceeds 50 million enplane- include, from most to least prevalent: Southern Mohave Desert, with bighorn sheep being one of the ments per year. Desert Shrub and Creosote (Larrea tridentata)/ few large mammals found in the area. Surprisingly, Bursage (Ambrosia dumosa), Riparian/Grass that there is extensive, diverse wildlife habitat around the NATURAL RESOURCES includes desert riparian species and mesquite Las Vegas area. Yet, not surprisingly, there are no (Prosopsis juliflora), Blackbrush (Coleogyne ramosissi- documented wildlife movement corridors that cross Topography & Surface Hydrology ma), Mojave Yucca (Yucca schidigera), and Joshua the I-15 corridor in this area. Bighorn Sheep habitat is Nevada is one of the most mountainous states in the Tree (Yucca brevifolia). dissected by the I-15 corridor just east of Las Vegas, U.S., with over 314 named mountain ranges and 232 and north along the I-15 there are areas of critical basins that create a landscape rich in diversity. environmental concern just south of Mesquite. Nevada consists of four major ecosystem units or

2.3 1-15 corridor plan Background Information

VIEWSHEDS AND DISTANCE ZONES Intrinsic landscape districts are defined on the Visual Environmental features provide an opportunity to Viewshed refers to all areas that are visible from a Analysis maps. They represent natural boundaries create pull-offs to view the feature, preserve natural section of highway. Similar to the boundaries of a such as topographic edges that confine their spatial systems, and to enhance wildlife movement corri- watershed, the boundaries of viewsheds are usually dimensions. Intrinsic landscape districts can be visu- dors. high points in the landscape, such as ridges and hills. alized as large outdoor “rooms” defined naturally by Distance Zones, including Foreground Zones, Middle the boundaries of the surrounding landscape. Public agency coordination is essential to maintain Ground Zones and Background Zones, define the visual and environmental quality management. This viewing distances of the traveler. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS may affect land use decisions, facility placement, and environmental standards utilized on adjacent lands. Viewsheds are determined by analyzing digital eleva- The landscape of southern Nevada has many special Among this coordination would be the Southern tion models using Geographic Information System environmental features, including: plant communi- Nevada Land Disposition Boundary which affects fed- software. All areas that are visible from the highway ties, rivers, lakes, wetlands, playas, wildlife, rock out- eral lands predominantly held by the U.S. Bureau of are combined to create the viewshed. Distance croppings, cliffs, and mountain ranges. To analyze Land Management. Consideration of land sales in (1) Virgin Mountains are the background view to Zones are delineated through a process developed by the environmental features, data was gathered from regard to the design objectives of this plan is an the Joshua tree community occurring on Mormon the U.S. Forest Service which relates the detail and a variety of sources and analyzed according to its opportunity to enhance the quality of the Landscape Mesa. The increase in elevation creates enough soil moisture to support this infrequently found plant importance of distance to the driver on the highway. relationship to the I-15 corridor. Unique features vis- Design Segments. community. ible from the highway or that influence the highway Viewsheds and Distance Zones along the I-15 corri- were mapped (see Map E-G). dor are shown as Map A on page 2.5. This analysis sets the foundation for visual quality management across the entire I-15 Corridor. Darker shading cor- Figure 4 Area of landscape seen responds to areas that can be seen more often from from one viewpoint points along the highway (Figure 4). These areas usually coincide with landscapes of high visual quality Area of landscape seen and scenic value such as mountain ranges. from two viewpoints Management of these areas through multi-jurisdic- Area of landscape tional cooperation can protect them from billboards most seen by this and other land uses that obstruct views and detract section of highway from the travel experience. VISUAL ANALYSIS

A visual analysis was conducted along the I-15 corridor to evaluate existing views from the highway and rank them relative to their quality. Information to be highlighted within the Visual Analysis mapping includes: scenic features and “highly” visible landforms such as mountain ranges and unique cliffs, as shown on Maps B, C, and D. Areas of highest scenic value include: Viewpoint located • The Spring Mountain Range West of Las Vegas along highway • The Moapa Valley and Moapa Peak Landscapes • Mormon Mesa This figure describes the concept of a viewshed and how a viewshed analysis is conducted. 2.4 1-15 corridor plan MAP VIEWSHED AND DISTANCE ZONES A I-15 CORRIDOR 2.5 1-15 corridor plan MAP B VISUAL ANALYSIS GATEWAY TO NEVADA’S EXCITEMENT LANDSCAPE DESIGN SEGMENT 2.6 1-15 corridor plan MAP VISUAL ANALYSIS C DYNAMIC DESERT METROPOLIS LANDSCAPE DESIGN SEGMENT 2.7 1-15 corridor plan MAP D VISUAL ANALYSIS MOJAVE HIGH DESERT LANDSCAPE DESIGN SEGMENT 2.8 1-15 corridor plan MAP ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS E GATEWAY TO NEVADA’S EXCITEMENT LANDSCAPE DESIGN SEGMENT 2.9 1-15 corridor plan MAP F ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS DYNAMIC DESERT METROPOLIS LANDSCAPE DESIGN SEGMENT 2.10 1-15 corridor plan MAP ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS G MOJAVE HIGH DESERT LANDSCAPE DESIGN SEGMENT 2.11

1-15 corridor plan Elements of Landscape and Aesthetics

ELEMENTS OF LANDSCAPE AND AESTHETICS Identifying a specific Landscape Treatment Type is the first Element of Landscape and Aesthetics and is The Elements of Landscape and Aesthetics define the composed of a softscape designation and a struc- Comprehensive Design Concept functional purpose and visual intent of highway cor- tures and hardscape type. Every square foot of NDOT ridor improvements. The elements are represented right-of-way has a Landscape Treatment Type associ- The corridor design concept can be articu- by a variety of different components including: vary- ated with it to define its design character and main- ing intensities of softscape, structures and hard- tenance requirements. Softscape types are defined lated for both rural and urban segments. by a hierarchy of treatment levels, each with an In rural or predominately undeveloped scape, state-wide signage, rest area facilities, and STRUCTURES AND HARDSCAPE many other items that affect visual quality within established design intent. In a similar way, struc- TYPES AND TREATMENTS areas, the highway should blend into the the corridor. To create a standardized understanding tures and hardscape treatments have been defined natural landscape. The presence of the for all NDOT right-of-way areas, from the Standard of the corridor plan, the following pages describe road is muted by design interpretations each of the elements. type to those with landmark quality . Used in combi- including naturally occurring patterns of nation, these treatment levels will establish the While NDOT currently incorporates some of these design character within the corridor. The matrix of geology, vegetation, and soils. The suc- elements, the descriptions in this section redefine possible combinations of softscape types and struc- cessful emulation of these patterns result the application of existing programs and establish tures and hardscape treatments is shown in Figure 5. in a landscape environment that includes new facility types. Following the component descrip- the highway avoiding the distinctive sepa- tions, each Landscape Design Segment is detailed. ration between road and land. Design objectives, specific to each segment, are introduced at the beginning. Landscape and aesthet- STANDARD ACCENTUATED FOCAL LANDMARK Figure 5 In urban interstate highway segments, ic elements that support the design objectives are then explicitly located and identified within each the highway is a major component of the design segment. LANDSCAPE TREATMENT TYPES character of the city. In fact, our perception of urban places is shaped by a highway’s design and its features. Respecting adjacent communities and creating a coherent visual environment that builds GROUND TREATMENT unity into the urban fabric is key to the success of the urban highway system. The highway should provide a composition of NATIVE PLANT REVEGETATION focused punctuation at important places and transitional edges compatible to sur- ENHANCED NATIVE rounding urban communities. SOFTSCAPE REGIONALLY ADAPTED TYPES AND TREATMENTS

REGIONAL ORNAMENTAL

3.1 1-15 corridor plan Elements of Landscape and Aesthetics

SOFTSCAPE TYPES AND TREATMENTS

The following softscape treatments are descriptive planting types that define design intent for future projects. These treatments are compositions of plant materials that include trees, shrubs, perennials, grasses, and ground treatments. The descriptions and photo- graphic examples define the specific softscape types that may be utilized in a section of the corridor.

GROUND TREATMENT SOFTSCAPE Erosion control and dust control are a major function of all ground treatments along the roadway. Rock mulches should be used beneath all softscape treatments, including native seed and container-planted natives and/or ornamentals. Uniform applications of rock mulch or variable sizes of stone and textures are available to match the existing environment. Example palettes are derived from natural patterns found in playas, foothills, or ephemeral drainages. In urban settings, various forms of aesthetic rock treatments are used to create patterns and textures. Irrigation is not included in this treatment. Soil stabilizer may be used in conjunction with these methods.

Total Cost: $1.15 - $1.35 sf L & A Cost: $0.00 sf (1) (2) (3) (4) NATIVE PLANT REVEGETATION SOFTSCAPE Returning roadway construction disturbance back to its native desert condition, requires the use of a native southern Mojave plant palette. This palette includes native communities such as the Creosote Bush/Bursage or Blackbrush. The spacing and frequency of Native plant distributions is sparse, and individual plants are widely separated by scattered native rock mulch. Temporary irrigation may be needed to assure plant establishment, however this softscape type does not rely on permanent irrigation. Preparation techniques such as roughening grade for seed siting and amendments like top soil and mulch are required to enrich soil and protect against winds. Along with seeding, some mature plants may be used to provide an established plant community character. Total Cost: $1.15 - $1.35 sf L & A Cost: $0.00 sf (1) (2) (3) Note: These photographs are illustrative examples of the softscape types and treatments.

3.2 1-15 corridor plan Elements of Landscape and Aesthetics

Guardrail Right of Way Fence Mulch placement to emulate the color and 5’ Concrete Native seed mix with scattered texture of the landscape or in urban areas, Walkway native rock mulch to be a purposeful pattern or texture Bridge with Aesthetic Vehicle Clear Zone Treatment Highway Travel Lanes

Pedestrian Vehicle Clear Zone /Bikeway Revegetation with (1) Rock Mulch Scattered Rock (2) PLAN VIEW OF GROUND TREATMENT SOFTSCAPE TYPE

Bridge with Right of Way Fence Seeding with native plants using remediation Aesthetic Container grown native plants techniques for arid environments and scattered Plant Material Treatment included in addition to seeding native rock mulch Guardrail Vehicle Clear Zone

Highway Travel Lanes

Revegetation with Pedestrian Vehicle Clear Zone Scattered Rock /Bikeway

(3) Rock Mulch (4) PLAN VIEW OF NATIVE PLANT REVEGETATION SOFTSCAPE TYPE

PROTOTYPICAL INTERCHANGE PROTOTYPICAL INTERSTATE HIGHWAY DESIGN SEGMENT

3.3 1-15 corridor plan Elements of Landscape and Aesthetics

SOFTSCAPE TYPES AND TREATMENTS

ENHANCED NATIVE SOFTSCAPE This treatment accentuates change by introducing more types and species of plants to the southern Mojave revegetation plant palette organized in greater coverage and plant densities, along with scattered native rock mulch. Adapted trees increase vertical diversity. Special ground treatments are included for drainage and erosion control such as rip-rap and soil stabilizers. Supplemental drip irrigation is required to assure plant survival.

Total Cost: $1.40 - $1.60 sf L & A Cost: $0.25 sf (1) (2) (3) REGIONALLY ADAPTED SOFTSCAPE Combinations of Mojave Desert plants and those from other dry land environments, such as the Sonora region, form this landscape palette. Plants are combined in greater density with layers of overstory trees and understory shrubs or perennials, and scattered native rock mulch. The expanded plant palette includes plants selected for form, seasonal change, special texture, and color. Desert-adapted plants in this softscape type offer a desert garden quality and provide a full array of enriched landscape character. Drip irrigation to individual plants is required for this softscape type. Total Cost: $2.25 - $2.75 sf L & A Cost: $1.10 - $1.60 sf (1) (2) (3) (4) REGIONAL ORNAMENTAL SOFTSCAPE Regional Ornamental softscape is delineated by a high diversity of plant species, including those which are imported to this region. This treatment introduces taller and denser plant materials such as pine species and palm trees. Regional Ornamental areas include shade from overstory trees, a wide variety of form and color, and create dynamic contrasts to the arid landscapes of naturally occurring plant species, along with scattered native rock mulch. Patterns of plants and compositions of arrange- ments are not derived from naturally occurring communities. Rather, they are intended to be landscapes of cultural meaning. Drip irrigation systems are required for individual plants.

Total Cost: $3.50 - $6.00 sf L & A Cost: $2.35 - $4.85 sf (1) (2) (3) Note: These photographs are illustrative examples of the softscape types and treatments.

3.4 1-15 corridor plan Elements of Landscape and Aesthetics

Desert Adapted Trees Tree Bridge with Right of Way Fence Shrubs / Perennials Native seed mix with scat- Aesthetic tered native rock mulch Treatment Groundcover/ Vehicle Clear Zone Guardrail Shrubs Highway Travel Lanes

Vehicle Clear Zone Revegetation Pedestrian with /Bikeway Scattered Rock (1) Rock Mulch (2) PLAN VIEW OF ENHANCED NATIVE SOFTSCAPE TYPE

Tree Bridge with Right of Way Fence Native seed mix with scat- Shrubs / Perennials Desert Adapted Trees Landscape Aesthetic tered native rock mulch Decorative Boulders Light Treatment Groundcover/ Guardrail Vehicle Clear Zone Shrubs Highway Travel Lanes

Revegetation Pedestrian Vehicle Clear Zone with /Bikeway Scattered Rock Retaining Wall (3) Rock Mulch (4) PLAN VIEW OF REGIONALLY ADAPTED SOFTSCAPE TYPE

Bridge with Ornamental Trees Tree Right of Way Fence Ornamental Trees Landscape Aesthetic Shrubs / Perennials Decorative Boulders Light Treatment Groundcover/ Guardrail Vehicle Clear Zone Shrubs Highway Travel Lanes

Accent Tree Pedestrian Vehicle Clear Zone Revegetation /Bikeway with Retaining Wall Scattered Rock (5) Rock Mulch (6) PLAN VIEW OF REGIONAL ORNAMENTAL SOFTSCAPE TYPE

PROTOTYPICAL INTERCHANGE PROTOTYPICAL INTERSTATE HIGHWAY DESIGN SEGMENT Note: Refer to Cost Analysis pages 6.1 - 6.5 for more information on these illustrations.

3.5 1-15 corridor plan Elements of Landscape and Aesthetics

STRUCTURES AND HARDSCAPE TYPES AND TREATMENTS

The following classifications are a common language for the aesthetics of highway facility design. The treatments included are for bridges, retaining walls, acoustic walls, pedestrian crossings, railings, barrier railings, lighting, and transportation art.

STANDARD STRUCTURES AND HARDSCAPE A standard treatment is simple, straightforward and functional. Attention to color and proportion can improve aesthetic quality without increasing cost. Standard structures are economical in their design and satisfy the requirements of vehicle movement, but elaborate little on the establishment of design character or place-making. A regular maintenance program for trash and graffiti removal is imperative. A stained finish on concrete or a painted finish on steel are the standard NDOT surface treatments.

Total Cost: $110 - $115 sf L & A Cost: $0 sf (1) (2) (3), (4), (5)

ACCENTUATED STRUCTURES AND HARDSCAPE This type of treatment builds place character and enhances appearance by adding special accents and finishes to built structures. A unified system of materials and textures define corridor pattern design. Transportation art may be applied and upgraded finishes and colors for structures are included. Decorative rock for drainage or aesthetics is included. Special contour grading is used to create desired land shape, and drainage features that harvest water may be features of the hardscape design.

Total Cost: $125 - $135 sf L & A Cost: $15 - $25 sf (1) (2) (3) (4) (5)

Note: These photographs are illustrative examples of the structures and hardscape types and treatments.

3.6 1-15 corridor plan Elements of Landscape and Aesthetics

FOCAL STRUCTURES AND HARDSCAPE Focal structures and hardscape type treatments provide a singu- lar expression for a project with a specific design character. Structures are constructed of self-weathering materials, integrated color or textural finishes, and may include the use of form liner imprints on structural surfaces. Patterns may be created by using multiple surfaces. Barrier rails utilize custom construction and include designs that are artistically incorporated into the structure elevating engineering to an art form. Upgraded lighting includes lighting with decorative elements serving both a functional and aesthetic purpose.

Total Cost: $170 - $185 sf L & A Cost: $60 - $75 sf (1) (2) (3) (4)

LANDMARK STRUCTURES AND HARDSCAPE Landmark, the most enhanced level of structures and hardscape treatments, truly explores the possibilities of the place. Landmark treatment calls attention to custom features and highlights unique elements. Extensive aesthetic treatments are used on all bridge structures, retaining walls, acoustic walls, barrier rails, and pedestrian crossings. Special significance is exhibited through importance is imparted with one-of-a-kind form liner treatments on structural surfaces. Transportation art is prominent and evocative in subject and composition. Elaborate lighting includes special effects for night time beyond what may be necessary to provide for safety.

Total Cost: $210 - $250 sf L & A Cost: $100 - $140 sf (1) (2) (3) (4) Note: These photographs are illustrative examples of the structures and hardscape types and treatments.

3.7 1-15 corridor plan Elements of Landscape and Aesthetics

NEVADA PLACE NAME SIGN PROGRAM provide directions and mark points of interest will be • Las Vegas Dunes Recreation Area a recognizable pictorial and specific to the special • Nellis Air Force Base As part of the Elements of Landscape and Aesthetics, point of interest. FHWA approval for the Nevada • Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area a new statewide place name and point-of-interest Place Name Sign Program will be gained prior to • Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area sign program distinctive to the State of Nevada will installation. • Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Park be designed to better connect people to places. • Spring Mountain Ranch State Park (1) Image of Hoover (2) Image of Desert Eligibility • Lost City (Museum of Archeology) Dam. Bighorn Sheep. Benefits of the Program With a state managed and controlled program, an • Goodsprings The State of Nevada is a large geographic area with initial inventory of categories common to the state, • Virgin Peak diverse and sometimes well-hidden features. The as well as features specific to each interstate corri- • University of Nevada, Las Vegas sign program will provide clear and consistent direc- dor, will be established and approved by NDOT. After • Sam Boyd Stadium tion from the corridors to scenic areas, points-of- the initial inventory is confirmed, state and local interest, historical sites, and local attractions. The entities will be permitted to apply for inclusion Associated Cost signs will welcome visitors and inform residents, based on specific criteria. The sign program is expected to have a direct eco- drawing attention to these important assets and nomic benefit to smaller communities and local affirming the rich history and physical attributes of Anticipated Categories attractions. Through increased tax revenue, the the State while stimulating local economies. The sign Possible categories for sign icons common to the State will recognize a tangible return on its invest- program will encourage visitors and residents to State of Nevada include, but are not limited to: ment. Partnering with businesses is possible through gain a better understanding of the history, culture, • Historical Features and Sites such as railroads, sponsorship providing partial cost offsets. (3) Image of Virgin Peak. and geology of the state. The signs, consistent in mines, mining towns, ghost towns, explorers, and color and material will unify the roadway. Place name immigrant trails. Signs Included in the Program signs will be of high quality and will be as durable as • Wildlife Viewing Areas other standard highway signs. • Flora Exit to Area of Interest or Town • Geographic Features This primary sign type will be used as an informa- How the Program Will Work • Geological Places of Interest tional listing located in advance of interstate exits. It Utilizing the current Federal Manual on Uniform • Landmarks will illustrate iconic symbols and descriptions as well Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) as a base, a cus- • Cultural Resources as the interstate exit number (see Figure 6). tomized and distinctive set of iconic symbols specif- • Museums ic to Nevada will be designed for use on standardized Signs will be post-mounted and use reflective graph- directional and identification signs. To insure unifor- Specific areas of interest in I-15 corridor include, but ics/lettering on a metal panel in accordance with mity and consistency, a state managed and con- are not limited to: applicable FHWA safety standards. A maximum of trolled policy manual for the signs will be imple- • Hoover Dam four (4) symbols will be used on each sign. Written (4) Image of Goodsprings: Ghost Town. mented. The manual will be referred to as the Nevada • Virgin River Recreational Lands descriptions are required to accompany iconic sym- Place Name Sign Manual. The program will be pro- • Moapa River Indian Reservation bols. moted through informational brochures available at • Las Vegas Motor Speedway welcome centers, identification on state maps, and • Valley of Fire State Park other locally based advertisements. Symbols used to • Las Vegas Strip and Downtown

3.8 1-15 corridor plan Elements of Landscape and Aesthetics

Directional Sign On State or County Road Scenic Area or Outlook Pull-off This secondary sign type will be used as an informa- This sign type will be located prior to pull-offs, illus- tional listing located on state or county roads or inter- trating iconic symbols and descriptions as well as the sections. It will illustrate iconic symbols and descrip- distance to the pull-off (see Figure 8). tions as well as a directional arrow (see Figure 7). Signs will be post-mounted and use reflective graph- Signs will be post-mounted and use reflective graphics/lettering on a metal panel in accordance with ics/lettering on a metal panel in accordance with applicable FHWA safety standards. A maximum of (1) Sign for Desert (2) Sign for Mining Area. (3) Sign for Hoover Dam. Bighorn Sheep (Viewing applicable FHWA safety standards. A maximum of two (2) symbols to be used on each sign. Written Area). four (4) symbols to be used on each sign-one (1) per descriptions are required to accompany iconic sym- panel. Written descriptions are required to accompa- bols ny iconic symbols.

(4) Sign for Virgin Peak. (5) Sign for Historic Rail.

CUSTOM SIGN ICONIC SYMBOLS (6) Sign for Ghost Town.

FIGURE 6. FIGURE 7. FIGURE 8. Exit sign to area of interest of town. Place name sign on state or county road. Scenic area sign of outlook pull-off.

3.9 1-15 corridor plan Elements of Landscape and Aesthetics

ROAD SERVICES PROGRAM

Road services are an important part of the experience along any roadway corridor. They are even more critical in areas of Nevada where long distances separate developed areas. The road service matrix on the opposite page describes varying levels of service stops that could be included in the corridor. From the limited softscape treatment and program of the Roadside Pull-Off to the landmark quality of the (3) This illustration depicts facilities that would make up the elements of a roadside pull-off. Welcome Center, these service areas will provide travelers with designated spaces to rest, interpret (1) This illustration depicts facilities that would history and geography, and discover information make up the elements of a basic rest area. about nearby activities and communities. Additional information regarding rest areas and road services is described on page 5.5 in the Design Guidelines chapter.

(4) This illustration depicts facilities that would make up the elements of a viewpoint and point of interest site.

(2) This illustration reveals how to take advantage of scenic vistas by controlling views with window cut-outs integrated within the rest area structure.

(5) This illustration depicts facilities that would make up the elements of a complete rest area.

3.10 1-15 corridor plan Elements of Landscape and Aesthetics

ROAD SERVICES PROGRAM Description Softscape Treatment Program Elements Roadside pull-offs provide facilities for drivers to exit the high- • Native Plant Revegetation to • Site-specific interpretive signage • Shade canopy (vegetation or structure) ROADSIDE • No toilets or running water way for a brief period. Facilities that respond to the landscape PULL-OFF Enhanced Native Softscape Type • Trash containers character and minimal parking are provided to accommodate • Standard Hardscape Type • Limited car and Recreational the abbreviated stay. (Referred to as “Rest Stop” under former Vehicle parking • Handicap accessible NDOT naming conventions.) • Scenic overlooks • Located according to travelers’ needs and unique site features

Viewpoints and points of interests present opportunities to • Native Plant Revegetation to • Located according to travelers’ • Nature walks or short trails VIEWPOINTS needs and unique site features • Seating areas view unique vistas, special natural resources, historical features, Enhanced Native Softscape Type • Site-specific interpretive signage • Shade canopy (vegetation or structure) AND POINTS OF • Toilets with running water only or cultural landmarks. Interpretive elements are integrated into • Standard to Accentuated the site design, and Place Name Signage and Travel Information where available INTEREST Hardscape Type • Handicap accessible elements are provided to establish the relationship between • Picnic tables and shade structures highway and place. Typically, the length of stay is short and park- • Trash containers • Paved car and Recreational ing is limited. Travelers are provided with a detailed look at the Vehicle parking site or point of interest. • Telescopes/viewfinders Basic Rest Areas are located throughout the state offering site • Enhanced Native Softscape Type • Located according to traveler’s • Trash containers BASIC REST AREA needs and unique site features • Paved car and Recreational specific interpretive information. They have limited restroom • Standard to Accentuated • Site-specific interpretive signage Vehicle parking facilities which may or may not include running water depending • Toilets with running water only • Paved truck parking Hardscape Type where available • Nature walks or short trails on availability. Typically, these rest areas are located to take • Emergency call box • Seating Areas advantage of scenic views, unique historical, cultural or environ- • Handicap accessible • Shade canopy (vegetation or structure) mental features, and to provide travelers’ resting places en route. • Picnic tables and shade structures • Local community information Complete Rest Areas are located at 60 mile intervals through- • Regionally Adapted Softscape Type • Regional interpretive signage • Recreational Vehicle dump station COMPLETE • Running water and flushing toilets • Paved car and Recreational REST AREA out the state and are typically situated outside of developed • Accentuated to Focal Hardscape • Emergency call box and telephones Vehicle parking areas. They feature modern facilities along with interpretive • Drinking fountains • Paved truck parking Type • Vending machine services (at • Telescopes/viewfinders information on regionally significant cultural and historical manned sites) • Interpretive and overlook features sites. Complete Rest Areas also provide travelers with picnic • Handicap accessible • Children’s play area facilities and include children’s play areas and pet areas. • Picnic tables and shade structures • Pet rest facilities • Trash containers • Shade canopy (vegetation or structure) • Bicycle storage units • Local community information GATEWAY As entryways, the gateway facilities convey first and last • Regionally Adapted Softscape Type Program elements are consistent with the type of Road Service Area provided. REST AREA impressions and identity. Special features may be incorporated • Focal Hardscape Type into the design to highlight the area through design interpre- Specific elements include: tation of the place, and gateways may be associated with any • Regional services information • Interpretation of regional sites and level of rest stop in the listing. The incorporation of local com- features munity information regarding amenities, events and interpre- • Information on regional recreational tative elements, improves the interface between the highway attractions and the communities it serves. Welcome Centers are located along major entry routes to the • Regionally Adapted Softscape Type • Located at major entry routes to state • Trash containers and Recycle Containers WELCOME • Informational Services • Bicycle storage units CENTER state. They offer introductions to the state where travelers can • Landmark Hardscape Type • Staffed visitor center • Paved car and Recreational have access to useful travel information. Welcome Centers • State-wide interpretive signage Vehicle parking include a staffed information kiosk. • Running water/flushing toilets • Paved truck parking • Emergency call box and telephones • Improved trails • Drinking fountains • Children’s play area • Vending machine services • Pet rest facilities • Handicap accessible • Shade canopy (vegetation or structure) • Picnic areas and shade structures • Telescopes/viewfinders

3.11 1-15 corridor plan Elements of Landscape and Aesthetics

NATIVE WILDFLOWER PROGRAM INVASIVE AND NOXIOUS WEED CONTROL

Inspired by a vision of native plant species along Introduction of invasive species can deteriorate eco- rights-of-way to enhance the beauty and connectivi- nomic and environmental quality and cause harm to ty to the land, the Federal Highway Administration human health. Invasive species decrease diversity adopted two programs to promote the uses of forbs and are strong competitors to native species. The and grasses that naturally occur in a particular Nevada State Department of Agriculture has identi- region, state, or ecosystem. In 1987, the Surface fied a list of noxious weeds that should be recog- Transportation and Uniform Relocation Assistance nized and eliminated in revegetation programs along Act (STURAA) required that at least one-quarter of the corridor. The list can be referenced at the follow- (1) Naturally occurring Mojave desert wildflowers one percent of funds expended for any Federal-aid ing site and is also listed in the Technical Appendix A. have visually striking displays that can be devel- highway system landscape project be utilized for www.agri.state.nv.us/nwac/nv_noxweeds.htm oped within a corridor as part of a wildflower program. native wildflower plantings. In addition to improved aesthetics, native wildflowers can also provide: Due to the frequency of invasive weeds along the • Reduced maintenance requirements for estab- corridor, control measures need to be factored into lished native plants in comparison with non- new landscape design projects including following native species. the best procedures and management practices for • Reduced roadside fire hazards. successful revegetation. Examples of these proce- • Reduced use of herbicides when native plants are dures include: successfully established. • Improved erosion control through drought-toler- • Tailoring revegetation procedures to specific ant species. plant community types. • Improved relationship between the highway cor- • Recommendations for site and soil preparation. ridor and the regional character of the landscape. • Site appropriate revegetative practices. (2) Baileya multiradiata - Desert Marigold is a key specimen in the natural heritage of the I-15 corridor.

3.12 1-15 corridor plan Elements of Landscape and Aesthetics

OUTDOOR ADVERTISING to contribute 75% of the compensation, many com- zation - a method used by many states - for sign munities do not have the funds to pay the 25% removal and further defines the methodology to Outdoor advertising, specifically billboards, provide requirement and their ability to use local land use determine "just compensation" as including the businesses, community groups and other organiza- controls to restrict construction was removed. uniqueness of the property as well as the income tions opportunities to inform travelers along the Additionally, the federal government has stopped generated from the sign rather than the traditional interstate about the various establishments and providing money for billboard removal (Brinton, cost approach. This revision creates a cost prohibi- available services. However, billboards impact the 2001). tive solution to sign removal. visual quality of the highway because they obstruct views of scenic features and the natural landscape. As A second limitation in the HBA is the allowance of bill- Although control of outdoor advertising seems result, community groups are committed to restrict boards to be constructed in areas zoned commercial daunting, there are regulations that provide restric- new and remove existing billboards from areas near and industrial, as well as in unzoned areas with com- tions to billboard construction. NRS 405.050 allows (1) Existing outdoor advertising in a natural land- and within their communities. mercial or industrial uses. The provision also acknowl- counties to deny permits for billboards that may scape setting has a significant negative effect on edges that the State has authority over the zoning "measurably destroy the natural beauty of the the visual quality of the state’s highways. The Highway Beautification Act laws. It is this entitlement that allows the State to scenery or obscure a view of the road ahead". The Highway Beautification Act (HBA) was passed in implement zoning regulations that increase the diffi- Additionally, the statutes give the Director of NDOT 1965 with the intent to control billboard construc- culty of controlling billboards. Communities may the ability to require the removal of any sign that is tion along Federal-aid highways and provide meth- specifically zone an area along the highway as com- a traffic hazard. ods for removal of billboards that do not conform to mercial, or the outdoor advertising structure may be state and local ordinances. The law, under Section C, built on a parcel that has an obscure commercial use. The Role of Local Government defines effective control of billboards as limiting sig- Cities and counties have the ability to regulate the nage that is visible and intended to be read from the The third provision allows designated scenic byways location and to a limited degree the type of billboard roadway to only include informational and direction- to be segmented and excluded from federal control. erected within their jurisdiction. The development of al signs pertaining to distinctive natural, scenic, or The amendment to the HBA, passed by Congress in design standards that address height, size, color and historical attractions; on-site real estate signs; on- 1995 with the National Highway System Designation context in which the billboards are located is a valu- site business signs; landmark signs associated with Act, allows states to exclude portions of a scenic able method of directing outdoor advertising. The (2) At many points in the corridors, multiple outdoor historic, natural, or artistic purposes; and free coffee byway that conflicts with the state's standards for visual impact of billboards in the rural landscape is advertising billboards are located adjacent to the signs promoted by nonprofit organizations. denoting scenic byways and utilize only local restric- much greater than the impact generated by bill- right-of-way. tions for billboard control. Therefore, areas of lower boards in an urbanized location. The choices local Limitations scenic quality continue to become more unattrac- communities make to regulate the location of bill- In the almost 40 years since the passage of the HBA, tive and reduce the overall scenic character of the boards can reduce the scenic impact of billboards few non-conforming billboards have been removed byway. and improve the visual quality along the states high- and many more have been constructed due to exclu- ways. Important viewsheds and scenic corridors may sions in the law. Enforcement is difficult because of Nevada Statutes be designated within the county and land use regu- Section G of the law, which requires cities and coun- Removing billboards in Nevada became more diffi- lations can be developed that discourages or pro- ties to pay just compensation to owners for billboard cult in 2001 due to the Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) hibits outdoor advertising. removal. Although the federal government is required 278.0215. The regulation prohibits the use of amorti-

3.13 1-15 corridor plan Elements of Landscape and Aesthetics

SCENIC HIGHWAY DESIGNATION through the scenic designation. Enhanced pride resentatives from NDOT, the Nevada Commission on attracts volunteers who want to help craft the story of Tourism, the Nevada Division of State Parks, and the US Twenty-one scenic byways have been designated in the byway and share in making it a vital component of Bureau of Land Management. The Nevada Commission Nevada since legislation established the state's Scenic the community. on Tourism is responsible for the Local Tourism Route Byways program in 1983. Prominent byways that may program. It reviews and approves all promotional mate- be accessed by I-15 include the South Las Vegas Strip, Opportunities for Partnerships rial to ensure that the "Scenic Byway" designation is Downtown Las Vegas Boulevard from Washington Finally, the opportunity for partnerships can be not used for local tourist routes Avenue to Sahara Avenue, Red Rock Road (SR 159), expanded with the scenic designation. Public and pri- Valley of Fire Road and White Domes Road in the Valley vate partnerships may be formed to make the goals of Levels of Designations Available of Fire State Park area, and Kyle Canyon Road (SR 157). the byway a reality. The America's Byways Resource Two levels of scenic byway designation are available: Center provides technical assistance and joins with the basic or advanced. Byways of both classifications are (1) Federal designation of scenic byways can con- According to the Federal Highway Administration FHWA to provide seminars and workshops to further placed on state tourism maps, in visitor information tribute to the successful resolution of the conflict (FHWA), the designation as a scenic roadway has four facilitate the partnering process. packages and in other scenic byway promotional mate- between outdoor advertising and scenic resources. significant benefits: preservation, promotion, pride, rials. The state prepares and distributes a brochure and partnerships. Preservation of vistas, roadside The scenic roadway plan consists of federal, state, and about the byway. Routes with an advanced designation scenery, and historic buildings can be facilitated local programs that provide methods for roadways to are eligible for federal and state funds not available through the program. The Highway Beautification Act be eligible for scenic designation in Nevada. with only basic designation. However, the advanced of 1965 prohibits new billboards along designated sce- • The federal BLM Back Country Byways and U.S. designation requires a corridor management plan and nic byways that are interstate, part of the National Forest Service Scenic Byways plans focus on roads has a five year re-certification obligation. Highway System, or federally-aided primary roads. The less frequently traveled that lead to back country National Highway Designation Act of 1995 amends the or wilderness areas, including paved, unpaved and Interstate highways have not been included in the state law and allows portions of the byway to be segmented four-wheel drive roads. program thus far, because a prime objective of the pro- if sections of the roadway fail to meet the criteria set • The Nevada Scenic Byways program focuses on gram is to encourage travelers to take non-interstate for a scenic byway. These segments are controlled by roadways that are accessible year-round to the routes through the state as a means of increasing the local regulations rather than the stricter federal bill- average motorist. The program identifies, pro- tourism economic base of rural communities. board controls. This exception allows new billboards to motes, and protects the state's most exceptional (2) Designated scenic byways can be identified on state maps. be erected, subject only to whatever state or local con- roadways. These byways must provide access to Nevada Scenic Designation trols are in place. The preservation of scenic quality can recreational areas or historic sites. The Director of NDOT may establish a “Scenic also be facilitated through the use of scenic or conser- • The Local Tourism Routes program allows commu- Designation” for any section of highway right-of-way, vation easements. In addition to preserving the land- nities to promote special roadways and other including interstates. The Corridor Plan recommends scape character, these measures also provide the par- modes of travel (like boat, balloon and train rides, this occur in areas of high scenic quality to limit the ticipating entity with a one-time tax deduction equal bicycling or rafting trips) that do not fit under any number of billboards and signage which obstruct to the foregone value of the use of the land. other programs. views. Areas of high visual quality recommended for this designation have been identified on the Specific Scenic byways are promoted through the Nevada Local groups and agencies nominate and manage sce- Corridor Features map for each Landscape Design Commission on Tourism and the FHWA. Tourism relat- nic byways and local tourism routes. The designation Segment (pages 4.6, 4.18, and 4.26). ed facilities such as visitor centers, rest areas, and Place "Scenic Byway" is reserved for routes approved by Name Signage program can be coordinated with infor- NDOT. The Director of NDOT makes the final designa- mational materials to create an integrated system. tion after review and approval of the road by the State Local awareness about the roadway is increased Scenic Byways Committee which is composed of rep-

3.14 1-15 corridor plan Elements of Landscape and Aesthetics

ANTI-LITTERING CAMPAIGN AND SIGNAGE

Fast food containers, plastic drink bottles, trash bags, and rusty kitchen appliances found along the roadside impact the scenic quality of the Nevada landscape and negatively affect the experience of the traveler. In fact, so pervasive is litter along the road in southern Nevada, that it may be the single most significant factor in improving the visual quality of the I-15 corridor. A (7) An edgy and provocative campaign will keep the statewide anti-littering campaign would represent a issue of litter very visible to travelers. significant step towards cleaning up Nevada’s highways Existing Conditions and interstates. The campaign should be advertised in an edgy and straight-forward fashion to command the attention of residents and travelers. Similar to the “Don’t Mess with Texas” anti-littering campaign, this program has the potential to become a marketing concept for the state of Nevada. The program would be promoted through several modes of communication including roadway signage, magazine advertisements, and bumper stickers. (1) Highway graphics and signage posted along the highway where trash accumulation is the most significant will be part of the anti-trash program. After Trash Removal Distribution of campaign materials would be focused at travel-oriented locations such as statewide welcome centers, rest areas, and truck stops. Coupled with the promotional materials, an “Adopt-A-Highway” program would engage the residents of Nevada and allow them to take an active role in keeping their highways clean and beautiful. This plan recommends the implementation of an anti-littering campaign made highly visible Image courtesy of Maria Arango (8) Trash clean-up enhances the scenic quality through signage, easily distributed collateral materials, of the corridor. and an active volunteer clean-up program.

(2) (3) (5)

3.15

1-15 corridor plan Landscape Design Segments

LANDSCAPE DESIGN SEGMENTS The welcome center will have additional significance receive design attention appropriate to their impor- as a stop for the proposed California-Nevada Super tance as major points of intersection. Integrating Landscape Design Segments define areas of similar Speed Train. Utilizing magnetic levitation (MAGLEV) regional trail system segments so they co-exist with characteristic in which the same major design theme technology, the train could connect Anaheim with Las highways and bridge adjoining areas now separated by is applied. Topography, plant communities, and urban Vegas at speeds of more than 300 miles per hour. The highways, will allow the system to be an alternative development influence how the segments are delin- Welcome Center at Primm has the opportunity to regional access transportation route. eated. Within Landscape Design Segments, sub-seg- become a vibrant entrance to Nevada rooted in the ments are identified where there are changes in land- desert landscape and the state’s history. Softscape types for the corridor segment include scape or cultural dimensions that influence the design Enhanced Native to Regional Ornamental. The hard- (1) The Gateway to Nevada’s Excitement Landscape Design Segment begins at the California-Nevada application. These detailed sub-segments represent The highway corridor is a sinuous and continuous rib- scape types range from Accentuated to Landmark state line at Primm and extends to the geographic districts that have the same design intent as the over- bon, subtlety uniting the landscape, with scenic open according to their importance along this segment. Art entry to the Las Vegas Valley near Sloan. all theme, but may display different design interpreta- vistas and legacy-quality restoration techniques from expression within and along the highway will be most tions, plant selections, or other features. the Welcome Center to Jean. Further along the corri- effective if it is evocative and engaging for travelers. dor, where growth and expansion are expected in the Theme of Landscape Design Segments future, the segment will be managed carefully to 3. Mojave High Desert Each design theme provides a unifying concept retain its Desert character. Color tones of highway The Mojave High Desert Segment begins where the throughout the design segment. Each theme, as structures are muted and contain hues similar to Las Vegas Valley recedes. The increasingly dramatic described below, is intended to be the overarching those found in the desert. Design of highway features, landscape of high peaks and desert mesas retraces the idea that will guide future design projects and inter- such as bridges and barriers, will be simple and the historic route of the Old Spanish Trail. Toward the pretations. landscape will rely on native plant vegetation or Arizona border, the Virgin River Valley is a prominent (2) Dynamic Desert Metropolis Landscape Design enhanced native planting throughout. This segment feature of the landscape leading to the northerly I-15 Segment includes the urban Interstate routes of Las 1. Gateway to Nevada’s Excitement provides a passage into Nevada's excitement. gateway into Nevada at Mesquite. Vegas and US 95 from State Route 157 in the north to Railroad Pass in the south. From the Nevada state line at Primm to Sloan, the arrival sequence into Nevada and the Las Vegas Valley 2. Dynamic Desert Metropolis The highway provides access to the Nevada outback is anticipated. Nevada has excitement to offer travel- The layers of the Las Vegas Valley unfold just north of and other significant recreational resources including ers including entertainment, culture, history, and natu- Sloan, the natural geographic gateway to the expan- the Valley of Fire, Lost City, and Lake Mead. An elevat- ral features. This is the theme for this highway seg- sive Las Vegas Valley. This dynamic desert metropolis ed highway loop to the Valley of Fire is proposed, pro- ment; a celebration of the gateway to Nevada. is an immense and expanding city. The corridor seg- viding a rest stop which includes interpretive oppor- ments, making up 132 miles of Interstate, will shape tunities of the natural history of the region. Design The gateway or portal to the state provides an oppor- the city's character and design. At the center lies the interpretation for this corridor provides visitors a wel- tunity to inform visitors about the land, people, and Las Vegas Resort corridor, a 24/7 landscape punctuat- come to the state, highlights recreational access and ed by lights. To effectively announce the Las Vegas opportunity, announces communities with simple history of Nevada. The inclusion of both a gateway (3) The Mojave High Desert Landscape Design feature at the state boundary and a welcome center, strip, emphasis will be placed on interchanges that gateways and utilizes native planting to reconnect Segment extends from the north edge of the Las Vegas Valley to Mesquite at the Nevada-Arizona located east of Primm, suggest the importance of the provide access to this novel entertainment district. lands disturbed by the highway to the desert. state line. most traveled section of highway in Nevada. Other major intersections including I-15 and I-215 south, I-15 and I-515, and I-15 and I-215 north will

4.1 1-15 corridor plan MAP H LANDSCAPE DESIGN SEGMENTS I-15 CORRIDOR 4.2 1-15 corridor plan Segment 1 - Gateway to Nevada’s Excitement

LANDSCAPE DESIGN SEGMENT DESCRIPTIONS Constraints identified along the I-15 corridor Preserved Desert Landscape Character include: • Respect the context that surrounds the highway The I-15 corridor is divided into three Landscape • Lack of land within the right-of-way and deliberately use design and applied guide- Design Segments (Gateway to Nevada’s Excitement, • Limited economic resources lines to incorporate the highway into the land- Dynamic Desert Metropolis, and Mojave High Desert) • Reliance on partnerships to fund retrofit projects scape. whose overall design themes are described above. • Limited water resources and arid climate • Preserve scenic views of distant mountain This section examines each Landscape Design • Sensitive natural resources ranges, the Mojave Desert, and lake beds. Segment individually and further refines its charac- • Apply scenic designation to manage the struc- ter and features. The following information is provid- GATEWAY TO NEVADA’S EXCITEMENT ture and placement of advertising and land use ed for each of the three Landscape Design Segments: so it is secondary to the natural landscape. • Design objectives for the sub-segments. The Gateway to Nevada’s Excitement Landscape • Blend highway facilities into the Mojave Desert Segment 1 Keymap • Map that shows the overall segment, its sub- Design Segment provides a stimulating entrance to using naturalized grading and drainage design segments, and important road service sites. Nevada and imparts a feeling of anticipation while and native plant revegetation. • Section diagram that reveals the topographic maintaining a connection to the desert landscape • Use uniform and consistent colors for highway character of the segment and provides more that surrounds it. It is divided into three sub-seg- structures that will harmonize with those found detailed descriptions of its features. ments each with their own character and purpose in the natural landscape. • Map that identifies additional program opportu- along the corridor: Statewide Gateway, Preserved • Retrofit existing facilities with color applications nities in each segment. Desert Landscape Character, and Managed and utilize staining techniques to blend dis- • Design interpretation for each segment. Landscape of Desert Character. turbed lands.

OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS DESIGN OBJECTIVES Managed Landscape of Desert Character Statewide Gateway • Plan for a future design context that will inte- The opportunities analysis identifies specific loca- • Mark the passage from California into Nevada grate expected growth, major facilities, and tions of physical opportunities, and areas where new and provide a symbolic entry into the state. development within this segment. design guidelines may be applied to establish the • Create a visually prominent gateway and render • Maintain the desert character in conjunction framework for the I-15 Corridor Plan recommenda- the entry into the state a notable experience. with new urbanization and growth. tions. Opportunities for the I-15 corridor are sepa- • Convey the identity of Nevada. • Expand the right-of-way to 800’ to create adja- rated into two categories: (1) physical improvement • Emphasize the sequence of arrival and signify the cent space for naturalized earth forms and native opportunities, and (2) design guideline opportuni- importance of the gateway as a welcome to trav- revegetation planting. Avoid using retaining or ties. Within each of these categories, the opportuni- elers by fully spanning the northbound approach. acoustic structures. ties are further organized under five major headings • Compose the gateway to be vivid night or day • Apply design criteria that maintain the palette of including: and extend the anticipation of approach for sev- the Mojave Desert including landform, native 1. Community eral miles. revegetation, natural drainage management, and 2. Travel and Tourism • Separate the gateway and welcome center from color. (1) The introduction to Nevada at the welcome center can convey civic presence and architecture 3. Natural Resources and Wildlife other development in Primm, encouraging a pres- • Require design continuity to establish a uniform powerfully responsive to the desert. 4. Views and Landmarks ence of their own. corridor treatment. 5. Roadway Practices and Structures • Provide accessibility to travel services, immediate • Create highway structures that are well propor- information, and statewide travel planning tioned, simple in their design expression, uni- The many opportunities are further refined and are opportunities at the welcome center. formly applied throughout the segment, and uti- shown in the Specific Corridor Features Maps (page • Connect travelers with the natural landscape sur- lize colors harmonious with the desert palette. 4.6, 4.18, and 4.26 ). rounding Primm through interpretive exhibits at the Welcome Center.

4.3 1-15 corridor plan MAP 1A I-15: PRIMM TO SLOAN GATEWAY TO NEVADA’S EXCITEMENT LANDSCAPE DESIGN SEGMENT 4.4 DESIGN OBJECTIVES

Statewide Gateway 1. Mark the passage from California into Nevada and provide a symbolic entry into the state. 2. Create a visually prominent gateway and make the entry into the state a notable experience. 3. Convey the identity of Nevada. 4. Emphasize the sequence of arrival and signify the importance of the gateway as a welcome to travelers by fully spanning the northbound approach. 5. Make the gateway vivid at night or day and extend the anticipation of approach for several miles. 6. Separate the gateway and welcome center from other development in Primm to allow for a presence of their own. 7. Provide accessibility to travel services, immediate information, and statewide travel planning opportunities at the welcome center. 8. Use the welcome center to connect travelers with the natural landscape surrounding Primm.

Preserved Desert Landscape Character 1. Respect the context that surrounds the highway and deliberately use design guidelines to make the highway part of the landscape. 2. Preserve scenic views of mountain ranges in the distance, middle ground of the Mojave Desert, and lake beds in the foreground. 3. Apply scenic designation to manage the structure and placement of advertising and land use so it is secondary to the natural landscape. 4. Blend highway facilities into the Mojave Desert using naturalized grading and drainage design and native plant revegetation. 5. Use uniform and consistent colors for highway structures that will harmonize with those found in the natural landscape. 6. Retrofit existing facilities with application of color to structures and oxidation staining techniques to disturbed lands.

Managed Landscape of Desert Character 1. Plan for a future design context that will integrate expected growth, major facilities, and development within this segment. 2. Maintain the desert character in conjunction with new urbanization and growth. 3. Expand the visual area of the right-of-way to create adjacent space to allow for naturalized earth forms, native revegetation planting, and the avoidance of retaining or acoustic structures. 4. Apply design criteria that maintain the palette of the Mojave Desert including landform, native revegetation, natural drainage management, and color. 5. Require design continuity to establish a uniform corridor treatment. 6. Create highway structures that are well-proportioned, simple in their design expression, uniformly applied throughout the Softscape Type/Treatment segment, and utilize colors harmonious with the desert Structures and Hardscape Type/Treatment palette. 1-15 corridor plan SECTION I-15: PRIMM TO SLOAN - LONGITUDINAL SECTION 1A GATEWAY TO NEVADA’S EXCITEMENT LANDSCAPE DESIGN SEGMENT 4.5 1-15 corridor plan MAP 1B I-15: PRIMM TO SLOAN - SPECIFIC CORRIDOR FEATURES GATEWAY TO NEVADA’S EXCITEMENT LANDSCAPE DESIGN SEGMENT 4.6 1-15 corridor plan Segment 1 - Gateway to Nevada’s Excitement

DESIGN INTERPRETATION SUMMARY

Interpretation of the segment’s design themes will occur when the individual project design is undertaken. The corridor plan establishes the direction for design to be completed at the project level. Examples of interpretation are included to illustrate forms that could be used to accomplish the design objectives stated. Examples are from other locations for the proposed program type.

(1), (2) Management to retain desert character will rely heavily on landform, planting, and space allowed in the corridor. (4) The statewide welcome center could include distinctive desert form architecture that places value on interior and exterior space.

(5) The preservation and presentation of scenic desert landscapes is an important objective of the Gateway to Nevada’s Excitement corridor. This example uses an architectural window to make the view more vivid.

(3) Design of bridges and hardscape, color of structures, and the consistent application of landscape composition will fulfill a roadway connected to the desert landscape of this segment.

4.7 1-15 corridor plan Segment 1 - Gateway to Nevada’s Excitement

GATEWAY TO NEVADA’S EXCITEMENT

STATEWIDE GATEWAY DEPARTURE

STATEWIDE GATEWAY ENTRANCE

(1) Existing gateway.

(2) The Statewide Gateway at Primm is a civic announcement and welcome to the state. Spanning the northbound travel lane will create a notable entry and is the first opportunity to establish the “Gateway to Nevada’s Excitement.” 4.8 1-15 corridor plan Segment 1 - Gateway to Nevada’s Excitement

(1) Native Revegetation with areas of Enhanced Native softscape will structure the corridor in the section from the stateline through Sloan.

4.9 1-15 corridor plan Segment 2 - Dynamic Desert Metropolis

DYNAMIC DESERT METROPOLIS Urban Background (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F) Preserve Mature Landscape (2A, 2D) • Create a corridor landscape that is unified, con- • Preserve the existing landscape of overstory tree The Dynamic Desert Metropolis is the most complex tinuous and patterned to emphasize simplicity. planting. Landscape Design Segment comprised of the follow- • Create a continuous linear visual composition • Replace turf grass within the corridor and remod- ing six sub-segments: without discontinuity between project segments. el the irrigation system from an area spray sys- Emphasize consistency in landscape materials tem to a drip system to water individual plants. • 2A: I-15: Sloan to Speedway and application. • 2B: I-215: South I-15/I-215 to Speedway Urban Industrial Background (2A) Segment 2 Keymap • 2C: US 95: Spaghetti Bowl to Kyle Canyon Flamboyant Resort Corridor (2A) • Create a corridor landscape that is unified, con- • 2D: Rainbow Curve to Summerlin • Announce the entry to the Las Vegas strip and tinuous and patterned to emphasize simplicity. • 2E: I-215: South I-15/I-215 to Henderson the entertainment district of the city. • Emphasize vertical landscape materials and use • 2F: I-515: Spaghetti Bowl to Railroad Pass • Establish a gesture that is dynamic and bold in its them consistently throughout the corridor. expression. These sub-segments are further divided by unique • Emphasize the importance of nighttime arrival. design objectives that are described below and are • Define at the major interchanges accessing the keyed to the different sub-segments where they “Resort Corridor,” the importance of the attrac- occur. Additional design objectives, specific to a sub- tion as defined by intense, edgy, and over-the- (1) This is an example of the existing character of segment, are described in their respective section top design, reconfirming the landmark status of “Mature Landscape” sections. diagram. this arrival.

DESIGN OBJECTIVES Redevelopment (2A, 2C) • Incorporate additional right-of-way into the cor- Las Vegas Valley Gateway (2A) ridor. Landscape design should anticipate the • Select the Las Vegas Gateway location based on interface edges that may result from redevelop- geographic location, land form, and its transition- ment. al characteristics into the valley. • Utilize a unified material and plant palette to • Announce the entire valley as a place rather than connect and simplify individual projects. any one community. • Use landscape composition to soften both high- • Make the gateway visually vibrant, dynamic, new, way structures and adjacent urban edges. and monumental in its design. Identify the nature and character of the valley at the point of arrival. • Make the gateway primarily a viewpoint to the valley and next a trailhead for Sloan Canyon (2) This is an example of “Flamboyant Resort National Conservation Area. Corridor.”

4.10 1-15 corridor plan MAP LAS VEGAS METROPOLITAN AREA 2A DYNAMIC DESERT METROPOLIS LANDSCAPE DESIGN SEGMENT 4.11 DESIGN OBJECTIVES

Las Vegas Valley Gateway 1. Select the Las Vegas Gateway location based on geographic location, land form, and its transitional characteristics into the valley. 2. Announce the entire valley as a place rather than any one community. 3. Make the gateway visually vibrant, dynamic, new, and monumental in its design. Identify the nature and character of the valley at the point of arrival. 4. Make the gateway primarily a viewpoint to the valley and sec- ondarily, a trailhead for Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area.

I-15 @ Sloan to I-215 Interchange 1. Change the nature of the interstate and establish an urban character to compose areas of emphasis or quiet background. 2. Create a calm, consistent, harmonious, and seamless corridor space. The objective is a continuous landscape which brings together disparate visual fragments of city and highway features. 3. Provide, primarily with landscape planting, a compatible relationship with adjacent land uses with screening of the road view to knit together the corridor. 4. Provide re-coloring of existing highway features to soften and edit dissonant features into linear visual continuity. 5. Utilize planting to soften existing structures.

Flamboyant Resort Corridor 1. Announce the entry into the Las Vegas strip and the entertainment district of the city. 2. Establish a gesture that is larger than life, dynamic and bold in its expression. 3. Emphasize the importance of nighttime arrival. 4. Define at the major interchanges accessing the "Resort Corridor,” the importance of the attraction as defined by intense, edgy, and over-the-top design, reconfirming the landmark status of this arrival.

Redevelopment 1. Incorporate additional right-of-way into the corridor. Landscape design should anticipate the interface edges that may result from redevelopment. 2. Utilize a unified material and plant palette to connect and simplify individual projects. 3. Use landscape composition to soften both highway structures and adjacent urban edges.

Preserve Mature Landscape 1. Preserve the existing landscape of overstory tree planting. 2. Replace turf grass within the corridor and remodel the irrigation system from an area spray system to a drip system to water individual plants.

Urban Industrial Background 1. Create a corridor landscape that is unified, continuous and patterned to emphasize simplicity. 2. Emphasize vertical landscape materials and use them consistently throughout the corridor. Softscape Type/Treatment Structures and Hardscape Type/Treatment 1-15 corridor plan SECTION 2A I-15: SLOAN TO SPEEDWAY - LONGITUDINAL SECTION DYNAMIC DESERT METROPOLIS LANDSCAPE DESIGN SEGMENT 4.12 DESIGN OBJECTIVES

Urban Background 1. Create a corridor landscape that is unified, continuous and patterned to emphasize simplicity. 2. Create a continuous linear visual composition without discontinuity between project segments. Emphasize consistency in landscape materials and application.

Regional Trail System 1. Improve portions of the regional trail system adjacent to I- 215 by increasing trail width, including user amenities, and providing multiple points of linkage to adjacent communities and neighborhoods. 2. Enhance usability of the trail system through special trail corridor sections and access control design to support use for recreation and as an alternative mode of travel. 3. At I-215 and Charleston, create a recreational gateway to the Red Rock Canyon area and utilize this as a trailhead that offers regional trail access.

Environmental Mitigation 1. Recognize regional drainage facilities constructed immediately adjacent to I-215 as a major environmental mitigation design opportunity. 2. Use landscape elements to restore, reshape, and soften the appearance of drainage structures.

Softscape Type/Treatment Structures and Hardscape Type/Treatment 1-15 corridor plan SECTION I-215: SOUTH I-15/I-215 TO SPEEDWAY - LONGITUDINAL SECTION 2B DYNAMIC DESERT METROPOLIS LANDSCAPE DESIGN SEGMENT 4.13 DESIGN OBJECTIVES

Urban Redevelopment 1. Incorporate additional right-of-way into the corridor. Landscape design should anticipate the interface edges that may result from redevelopment. 2. Utilize a unified material and plant palette to connect and simplify individual projects. 3. Use landscape composition to soften both highway structures and adjacent urban edges.

Softscape Type/Treatment Structures and Hardscape Type/Treatment 1-15 corridor plan SECTION 2C US 95: SPAGHETTI BOWL TO KYLE CANYON - LONGITUDINAL SECTION DYNAMIC DESERT METROPOLIS LANDSCAPE DESIGN SEGMENT 4.14 DESIGN OBJECTIVES

Softscape Type/Treatment Structures and Hardscape Type/Treatment 1-15 corridor plan SECTION RAINBOW CURVE TO I-215 AT SUMMERLIN - LONGITUDINAL SECTION 2D DYNAMIC DESERT METROPOLIS LANDSCAPE DESIGN SEGMENT 4.15 DESIGN OBJECTIVES

Softscape Type/Treatment Structures and Hardscape Type/Treatment 1-15 corridor plan SECTION 2E I-215: SOUTH I-15/I-215 TO HENDERSON - LONGITUDINAL SECTION DYNAMIC DESERT METROPOLIS LANDSCAPE DESIGN SEGMENT 4.16 DESIGN OBJECTIVES

Softscape Type/Treatment Structures and Hardscape Type/Treatment 1-15 corridor plan SECTION I-515: SPAGHETTI BOWL TO RAILROAD PASS - LONGITUDINAL SECTION 2F DYNAMIC DESERT METROPOLIS LANDSCAPE DESIGN SEGMENT 4.17 1-15 corridor plan MAP 2B LAS VEGAS METROPOLITAN AREA - SPECIFIC CORRIDOR FEATURES DYNAMIC DESERT METROPOLIS LANDSCAPE DESIGN SEGMENT 4.18 1-15 corridor plan Segment 2 - Dynamic Desert Metropolis

DESIGN INTERPRETATION

(8) Designed patterns and descriptions can provide interpretive information as well as artistic intent.

(1), (2) A wide array of landscape interpretations will fit within the (3) The Las Vegas Valley Community Gateway should be (4) The urban redevelopment segments should bridge corridor segments, from regional ornamental to regionally adapt- vibrant and dynamic in character to welcome visitors to existing and new development with a palette of materi- ed plant species that portray the design objectives. the entertainment capital of the world. als and plants.

(9) The desert climate can take advantage of the varied and exciting experience created through vertical sculptural elements and shadow patterns.

(5) Planting humanizes structural surfaces and offers a contrast (6) The Flamboyant Resort Corridor interpretation could (7) Emphasis is placed on lighting to enhance the night- (10) Murals and other forms of wall art enhance to the urban environment. include brightly colored elements and bold sculptural time experience in the Flamboyant Resort Corridor. urban character. forms.

4.19 1-15 corridor plan Segment 2 - Dynamic Desert Metropolis

DYNAMIC DESERT METROPOLIS

(1) This is an example of existing condi- (3) This is an example of existing conditions at I-215. tions at I-215.

(2) Interpretation of the Dynamic Desert (4) The visually unattractive right-of-way Metropolis Landscape Design Segment of this section of corridor should be will shape the character of Las Vegas. The improved with a Regionally Adapted Regionally Adapted softscape will replace softscape to diminish the effect of high the barren right-of-way. tension power lines.

4.20 1-15 corridor plan Segment 2 - Dynamic Desert Metropolis

(1) This is an example of existing conditions along I-15 near the resort corridor.

(2) Within the resort corridor, the major entry interchanges will receive Landmark type treatment to fully accentuate the importance of this section of the metropolitan corridor system. Design of bridges and structures are key to expressing these landmark qualities.

4.21 1-15 corridor plan Segment 2 - Dynamic Desert Metropolis

DYNAMIC DESERT METROPOLIS

This series of images shows the sequence of arrival to the resort corridor while traveling along I-15. The photographs reveal the existing conditions, while the sketches represent the landmark quality to be expressed by this section of the corridor.

(1) This is an example of existing conditions along I-15 approaching the resort corridor. A lack of planting and earthwork (3) High mast lighting, slope paving, and exposes several visually disruptive ele- inconsistent materials currently detract ments such as power lines and light poles. from the visual quality of the resort district.

(2) Artistic landform and Regional Ornamental plantings will be used to screen undesirable elements and create an exciting (4) Custom lighting treatments, terraced earthwork, and simplified materials will connect the I-15 corridor to the rest of the arrival to the resort corridor. resort experience.

4.22 1-15 corridor plan Segment 3 - Mojave High Desert

MOJAVE HIGH DESERT Joshua Tree Forest • Preserve vistas and scenic landscape quality The Mojave High Desert Landscape Design Segment within and adjacent to the corridor. Consider sce- contains a scenic quality and range of landscapes nic designation to preserve an intact natural unique to the I-15 corridor. It is divided into three landscape. sub-segments based on topography and the native • Apply design criteria to highway design that will plant communities found in each area: Native Mojave maintain the palette of the Mojave Desert includ- Desert, Joshua Tree Forest, and Dixie. ing landform, native revegetation, natural Segment 3 Keymap drainage structures, and uniform color applica- DESIGN OBJECTIVES tions. • Preserve Joshua trees that may be located within Native Mojave Desert future projects. Use native plant salvage tech- • Create a design that recreates the desert land- niques and adopt native plant palettes to include scape. Joshua trees. • Utilize a native plant revegetation landscape • Utilize the statewide signage program to high- type with methods and standards that will suc- light abundant natural features, human events, cessfully create the Mojave landscape within dis- and wildlife within the corridor. turbed lands. • Create a color palette used in highway structures Dixie (1) Enhanced Native softscape can define commu- that is complementary to the desert landscape. • Acknowledge the statewide welcome center nity gateways and provide memorable experiences that resonate with travelers. • Retrofit existing facilities with application of located in Mesquite with a stronger identity and color to structures and oxidation staining tech- civic place quality. Encourage design that pro- niques to disturbed lands. vides more visual prominence, a strong relation- • Create a connection to recreational opportunities ship between interior and exterior components, with a complete rest stop at the entry into the and as a host to state visitors. Valley of Fire and viewpoint rest stop at Moapa. • Establish two community gateways into the central business district that are enhanced with signage, Regionally Adapted softscape, and Landmark structures and hardscape. • Preserve scenic views of the Virgin River Valley from points along the highway in a scenic management area.

4.23 1-15 corridor plan MAP 3A I-15: SPEEDWAY TO MESQUITE MOJAVE HIGH DESERT LANDSCAPE DESIGN SEGMENT 4.24 DESIGN OBJECTIVES

Native Mojave Desert 1. Create a design that blends and recreates the desert landscape. 2. Utilize a native plant revegetation softscape type with methods and standards that will successfully create the Mojave landscape within disturbed lands. 3. Create a color palette used in highway structures that is complementary to the desert landscape. 4. Retrofit existing facilities with application of color to structures and oxidation staining techniques to disturbed lands. 5. Create a connection to recreational opportunities through a complete rest stop at the entry into the Valley of Fire and viewpoint rest stop at Mariposa.

Joshua Tree Forest 1. Preserve vistas and scenic landscape quality within and adjacent to the corridor. Consider scenic designation to preserve an intact natural landscape. 2. Apply design criteria to highway design that will maintain the palette of the Mojave Desert including landform, native revegetation, natural drainage structures, and uniform color applications. 3. Preserve Joshua trees that may be located within future projects. Use native plant salvage techniques and adopt native plant palettes to include Joshua trees. 4. Utilize the statewide signage program to highlight abundant natural features, human events, and wildlife within the corridor.

Dixie 1. Acknowledge the statewide welcome center located in Mesquite with a stronger identity and civic place quality. Encourage design that provides more visual prominence, a strong relationship between interior and exterior components, and functions to host state visitors. 2. Establish two community gateways into the central business district which are enhanced with signage, Regionally Adapted softscape, and Landmark structures and hardscape. 3. Preserve scenic views of the Virgin River Valley from points along the highway in a scenic management area.

Softscape Type/Treatment Structures and Hardscape Type/Treatment 1-15 corridor plan SECTION I-15: SPEEDWAY TO MESQUITE - LONGITUDINAL SECTION 3A MOJAVE HIGH DESERT LANDSCAPE DESIGN SEGMENT 4.25 1-15 corridor plan MAP 3B I-15: SPEEDWAY TO MESQUITE - SPECIFIC CORRIDOR FEATURES MOJAVE HIGH DESERT LANDSCAPE DESIGN SEGMENT 4.26 1-15 corridor plan Segment 3 - Mojave High Desert

DESIGN INTERPRETATION

(1) Material and color of walls reflect interpretations of the (2) Roadside services in the Mojave High Desert segment can (3) The statewide welcome center could (7) This enhanced native landscape interpretation contributes signifi- desert landscape. utilize desert materials, color tones, and architecture of the include distinctive shade structures. cant unity to the highway corridor by providing a consistent plant desert. palette.

(5) The natural history of the region can (6) Representations and interpretations of the flora and fauna be conveyed via highway design ele- of the Mojave High Desert landscape can enhance structures (8) Form, texture, and color are found in the plant palette of Regionally ments. and hardscape. Adapted softscapes.

(4) Mesquite trees provide verticality in the landscape of the corridor and enhance shadow patterns.

4.27 1-15 corridor plan Segment 3 - Mojave High Desert

MOJAVE HIGH DESERT

(1) At Mesquite, two community gateways are included in the theme. These would receive Regionally Adapted planting and Focal hardscape. 4.28 1-15 corridor plan Segment 3 - Mojave High Desert

STATEWIDE GATEWAY DEPARTURE

STATEWIDE GATEWAY ENTRANCE

(2) The concept for the statewide gateway from the east will be defined with a vertical monument and stone wall located at the entry point into Nevada from Arizona. 4.29

1-15 corridor plan Design Guidelines

CORRIDOR DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR I-15 • Select finish, color, and surface patterns to coor- 2) Understand the context of the project site. The dinate structures with the surrounding landscape surrounding the proposed project pro- Purpose of Design Guidelines landscape. vides directions for enhancement. These include These landscape and aesthetics guidelines are • Apply a consistent color palette for all structures. predominant materials, colors, and enhancement intended to guide physical changes for existing and • Incorporate transportation art motifs and media to structures as well as natural resources, cultur- new highway projects. The result will be a cohesive that depict the Gateway to Nevada's Excitement, al, and social elements. highway corridor that is compatible and sensitive to the Dynamic Desert Metropolis, and the Mojave 3) Seek early review of the project. Making changes its context. These guidelines will accomplish better High Desert Landscape Design Segment themes. at the beginning of the project is far easier than design for Nevada’s highways. at the end. Involving others early in the plan- These guidelines outline ways in which to achieve ning/design process helps ensure that the project Design guidelines provide a framework for improving the enhancement of the highways' most valuable is feasible, both economically and aesthetically. landscape and aesthetics when designing new and assets, including scenic views, important cultural and retrofit highway projects. The guidelines are written environmental features, and the surrounding Mojave (1) The purpose of these guidelines is to create a statements of recommended performance that Desert landscape. cohesive highway corridor that is compatible with establish qualitative levels of design to meet the Nevada’s existing landscape, communities, and urban areas. objectives of each Landscape Design Segment. Some Corridor Plan Guidelines of the guidelines are accompanied by concept dia- NDOT, designers, and communities are strongly grams, sketches, or photographs. These images are encouraged to use these guidelines to ensure that illustrative and are intended to demonstrate ways individual projects comply with the design spirit and the design intent could be achieved. Ultimately, literal intent of the corridor plan. NDOT will review these design guidelines will assist in successful revi- each project design for consistency with these guide- talization and overall landscape and aesthetic lines and the overall Landscape and Aesthetics Corridor improvement of the I-15 highway corridor. Plan. When designing a highway project the full design team should: These design guidelines have been prepared to assist in developing design solutions that: 1) Become familiar with design guidelines for the • Guide the interpretation of the design themes design segment in which the project is located. for each Landscape Design Segment. The guidelines are intended to direct the design • Create a visual design unity among all highway toward the objective of aesthetic cohesiveness structures and facilities. for the design segment. These design guidelines are directed at avoiding project to project design in favor of comprehensive corridor design.

5.1 1-15 corridor plan Design Guidelines

1.0 PROJECT DESIGN PROCESS LANDSCAPE AND AESTHETICS IS NOT AN AFTERTHOUGHT TO ENGINEERING, BUT 1.1 Understand the design segment theme and 1.4 Integrate landscape and aesthetics at the onset THE STARTING POINT FOR INTEGRATED CONTEXT SENSITIVE SOLUTIONS. select design concepts that interpret the of planning, design and engineering of all theme. Review the vision and objective for the highway projects. Landscape and aesthetics Landscape Design Segment as described in the should not be an afterthought to a highway Corridor Plan and ensure the theme guides the project. Rather, landscape and aesthetics need project design. Understand the context of the to be considered at the onset of the planning site, including viewshed analysis and Landscape design and engineering of all highway projects. Design Segment objectives as described. NDOT’s STET report regarding type, size and Ensure project design successfully interprets location of highway structures should include the Landscape Design Segment theme. information on landscape and aesthetics. Engineering design should incorporate land- 1.2 Understand the site context, including the sur- scape and aesthetics to create highway

rounding landscape, and conduct a comprehensive structures and facilities that are effective, safe, (5) Understanding the corridor conditions and analysis. Conduct a comprehensive environmental and aesthetically appealing. The ability for a context is a critical part of the design process. analysis for each project. Site inventory for each roadway and roadway facilities to blend suc- project should extend past the project boundaries, cessfully into the surrounding landscape or and analyze the site and surrounding landscape. integrate appropriately with surrounding land Ensure the planning and design of the highway uses should be fundamentally addressed at the project responds to this comprehensive analysis. outset. Consider characteristics such as precipitation, topography, ground cover, size and location of 1.5 Consider Landscape and Aesthetics costs along- plant material, visual conditions, soils, site side baseline costs. Landscape and aesthetics

drainage, rock outcroppings, and other natural should be considered simultaneous to a (6) Computer simulation of a planned highway features, both on the site and surrounding the project's capital budget and estimates. In addi- at the conceptualization of the project. site. tion to determining a project’s baseline construction cost, allocation of budgets and 1.3 Visualize design concepts for highway improve- resources for landscape and aesthetics should ments. Utilize sketches, models and digital be clearly outlined at the start of a project. visualization tools to understand design concepts from a three-dimensional perspective. Plan view design alone does not accurately represent the experience of the traveler along the highway or illustrate issues of visual design. (7) Photo simulation of a highway project allows visualization of physical design. “Roadview Explorer” is an excellent tool for this purpose.

(1), (2), (3), (4) This series of highway design studies shows the process of visualization from computer modeling to the built project.

5.2 1-15 corridor plan Design Guidelines 2.0 WELCOME CENTERS AND STATEWIDE GATEWAYS 2.1 Provide vibrant, visually rich gateway welcome most traveled corridor in the state. The visual centers. Promote and provide information about analysis identified the special characteristics of this statewide travel opportunities and services in a segment and its role as the tourism entrance to the gateway welcome center at the California boundary state. Multi-modal transportation use is also a con- in Primm and the Arizona/Utah border in Mesquite. sideration in the right-of-way width. Control over Promote the gateway welcome centers as impor- the landscape and aesthetics of this section of tant civic facilities and ensure these centers have roadway may require collaboration with federal, strong visual presence. The gateway welcome state, and local governments concerning landscape centers should convey the identity of Nevada and and aesthetics matters. Occupancy permits should make the entry into the state a notable and memo- not be allowed in this segment. The application of rable experience. Welcome centers should also a scenic easement may be necessary to manage the signify the departure from Nevada and leave the visual future of the segment. traveler with a positive memory. Program elements Image courtesy of Elizabeth Murrell, Fabric Structures Inc. offered at centers include interpretation of time, (1) Mojave Desert civic architecture with strong (2) Notable outdoor space and welcome center history, and the Mojave Desert landscape. The state visual presence should be illustrated in the state entry feature example. gateway at Primm should fully span the northbound welcome center at Primm. approach and capture the visual character shown in sketches 4 and 6 on this page. Emphasize the sequence of arrival and departure by extending the approach for several miles. The gateway should be visually appealing at night and connect travelers with the natural landscape and scenic views. The gateway at Primm should be Regional Ornamental softscape type and Focal hardscape type. The statewide gateway at Mesquite should capture the visual character of sketch 3 on this page. The gateway at Mesquite should be Regional Ornamental softscape type and Focal hardscape type. Each statewide gateway shall include the Nevada name and state seal, feature stone materi- (4) Required design elements illustrated for the Primm statewide gateway. als from the local region of the state and landscape (3) Required design elements illustrated for the Mesquite statewide gateway. planting type as identified in the Landscape Design Segments shown on pages 4.5 and 4.25.

2.2 Accommodate a stop for the California/Nevada High Speed Rail. Ensure the gateway/welcome center in Primm accommodates a station for the proposed high-speed California/Nevada train to stop. In addition, provide a direct pedestrian connection from this station to a stop for the existing monorail system in Primm.

2.3 Right-of-way corridor preservation from California/Nevada state line to Sloan. The I-15 corridor from the California state line to the entrance to (5) Existing conditions at Nevada stateline. (6) From dusk into the evening, the tent-like structure would be visible as a distant beacon with lighting the Las Vegas metropolitan area at Sloan is the below the span.

5.3 1-15 corridor plan Design Guidelines 3.0 COMMUNITY GATEWAYS 3.1 Engage agencies and organizations in the planning on page 5.3. The gateway to Moapa should be high- and design process. Engage applicable state and lighted with a Focal feature and a Regionally local agencies as well as local stakeholder groups Adapted softscape type. and organizations in the planning, design and implementation of community gateways. Mark the 3.3 Integrate the Gateway into the Highway Facilities. entrances and exits of communities using Free standing signs are not allowed in the right-of- Enhanced Native, Regionally Adapted, or Regional way. Community gateways need to be integrated Ornamental softscape types, and Accentuated, with highway structures and landscape. Focal, or Landmark structures and hardscape. Community gateways are intended to be visually Refer to Softscape and Hardscape Types and impressive. Maintain and enhance important com- Treatments (pages 3.2-3.7) and Softscape Type

munity features through careful gateway planning Guidelines (pages 5.24-5.29) for more details about Image courtesy of Arriola & Fiol Arqitectes and design. Use appropriate landscape and/or struc- the type of features and plants to consider for com- (1) This plaza provides an example of hardscape (2) This unique pedestrian overpass provides an and/or structures that could be used to create a example of a bridge feature that is used to create tural techniques to screen unsightly land uses. munity gateways. “focal” area at a community gateway. a “landmark” for a community gateway.

3.2 Locate gateways accordingly. Community gateways for the Gateway to Nevada’s Excitement Landscape Design Segment should be located at Primm, Jean and Sloan (Map 1B, pg. 4.6). Primm should be highlighted by a gateway welcome center as discussed on page 5.3. The gateway to Jean should be marked by an Accentuated / Enhanced Native treatment; the gateway at Sloan should be marked by a Focal / Enhanced Native treatment.

Community gateways for the Dynamic Desert (4) Example of a community gateway incorporat- Metropolis Landscape Design Segment should be ed into retaining wall and bridge structure. located at the four major entrances to the Las Vegas Valley (I-15 north and south, US 95, and I-515), North Las Vegas, Henderson, Town Center, Summerlin, Red Rock Canyon, Lone Mountain, and Kyle Canyon as shown on Sections 2A through 2F of the Plan (pages 4.12-4.17). Sections 2A through 2F also indicate the types of gateway features and landscape plantings that should be used to mark these gateways.

Community gateways for the Mojave High Desert Landscape Design Segment should be located at Moapa and Mesquite. Mesquite should be high- (3) The landmark qualities displayed in this example of a Dynamic Desert Metropolis community gateway represent the highest lighted by a gateway welcome center as discussed level of treatment identified within the Landscape Design Segments.

5.4 1-15 corridor plan Design Guidelines 4.0 REST AREAS, VIEWPOINTS, AND PULL-OFFS 4.1 Implement a comprehensive roadside service program. Roadside services are key components of the highway corridor, particularly where long distances separate developed areas. Implement a comprehensive roadside service program throughout the corridor. Refer to the Road Service Program outline for a detailed description of road services (page 3.10). Locations for Road Service sites are located on the Landscape Design Segment maps (pages 4.4, 4.11, and 4.24).

(1) Prototypical shade structure for all types of road service areas. 4.2 Ensure rest stop design reflects the local setting. Ensure highway rest stops and other such facilities reflect the landscape and natural setting of the local area. All rest stops, view points and pull-offs should readily accommodate travel needs and reflect a desert design theme. Desert materials and design elements, Point of most Trail such as rammed earth and metal roofs, are to be significant used to impart a sense of permanence and con- views. nection to the desert. Avoid using makeshift, (4) Required prototypical shade structure protects users from wind and sun. adapted site facilities with no distinctive architectural style. Concrete barriers should not be Trail used for parking delineation or site boundaries at rest stops and pull-outs. Ensure all built facilities, such as restrooms, information signs/services, and shade are rooted in the desert landscape. Sustainable architecture or green building design is highly suitable to many highway rest stops and other such facilities Parking where water, energy, and landscape resources are difficult to secure and maintain (refer to the Sustainable guidelines, page 5.32). Landscaping materials Return to highway. signal entry and exit points.

Earth shaping and vegetation to block views and screen highway noise.

(2) Geologic point of interest included as interpretation (3) Representative Viewpoint / Point of Interest. (5) Required prototypical interpretive rest stop with table, benches, and shade structure that program at rest area. frames significant views. 5.5 1-15 corridor plan Design Guidelines 5.0 SIGNAGE 5.1 Provide a standard, cohesive system of service signage. • Geographic Features: California Wash, Dry Lake Valley, Muddy River, NDOT will manage the location of Tourist Oriented Meadow Valley Wash, Virgin River, Halfway Wash, Touquop Wash, Directional Signage (TODS) along the highway in a cohe- Moapa Peak, Davidson Peak, Little Virgin Peak, Flat Top Mesa, Virgin sive, understated manner. A cohesive set of standard TODS Peak is encouraged over numerous private individual business • Cultural/Recreational Resources: Virgin River Recreational Lands, signs and billboards. Work with local community agencies Valley of Fire State Park, Old Spanish Trail, Las Vegas Dunes Recreation and businesses to develop and locate TODS. Refer to Area, Moapa River Indian Reservation Outdoor Advertising Program (page 3.13) for more informa- • Museums: Lost City Museum of Archeology, Desert Valley Museum tion about billboards along the corridor. 5.3 Icon Representation. The features and points of interest to 5.2 Implement a Statewide Place Recognition Sign Program. A be recognized in this program will be approved by the comprehensive place recognition signage program should NDOT signage committee. The image icons depicting each (1) View of the Hoover Dam. (2) Hoover Dam depicted on the be implemented through partnership initiatives with local feature to be recognized on the sign should be derived Nevada sign program. communities and agencies. from the actual physical shape of the point of interest as shown in illustration 1, 2, 3 and 4 on this page. Name and Areas of interest within the Gateway to Nevada's labels included shall be consistent with state archives, and Excitement Design Segment that could be highlighted map naming conventions. Final icon and name approval will include: rest with NDOT. • Historic Features: Goodsprings, Old Spanish Trail • Geographic Features: Bonanza Wash, Jean Lake, Little Devil Peak, Table 5.4 Incorporate the anti-littering campaign. Anti-littering mes- Mountain, Sheep Mountain, Mount Potosi sages located at highway stops that include food and • Geological Places of Interest: Quarry/Mining Sites beverage services will provide an immediate reminder to • Cultural/Recreational Resources: Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, travelers. Work with local vendors to place the anti-littering Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area, Red Rock Canyon National messsages on disposable cups, plates, and other items likely Conservation Area to be tossed out of the vehicle window. (3) Ghost Town of Goodsprings. (4) Goodsprings depicted on the Nevada sign program. Areas of interest within the Dynamic Desert Metropolis 5.5 Implement an Audio Interpretation Program. Develop an Design Segment that could be highlighted include: audio/multimedia interpretative program that would tie • Historic Features: Mormon Fort State Park, Old Las Vegas into the Statewide Sign Program. This program could be • Flora: Desert Demonstration Gardens, UNLV Xeric Garden, Ethel M implemented via broadcast radio, CD or DVD programs, Botanical Cactus Garden, North Las Vegas Desert Demonstration wireless Internet hot spots, satellite transmission, or other Garden media that allows travelers to access additional informa- • Wildlife Viewing Areas: Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge tion about cultural and natural resources, tourist • Geographic Features: Tule Springs Lake, Corn Creek Wash, Las Vegas opportunities, and services along the corridor from their Wash, Black Mountain, Lone Mountain, La Madre Mountain, Turtlehead car. Link the Audio Interpretation Program to the Statewide Mountain, Blue Diamond Hill, Mount Wilson, Rainbow Mountain, Sunrise Place Recognition Sign Program and State welcome centers Mountain, Frenchman Mountain so that travelers will be able to access specific information (5) Sign bridge with numerous trusses are visually cluttered. • Landmarks: Hoover Dam, Silver Bowl Stadium, Las Vegas Strip, Thomas on selected sites. Utilize synchronous technologies that and Mack Center, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Nellis Air Force Base allow the users to control how and when they access this • Cultural/Recreational Resources: River Mountain Trail, Neonopolis, additional information. Incorporate the program into the Fremont Street Experience, Mount Charleston, Wet & Wild Water Park, Intelligent Transportation System Regional informative Las Vegas Motor Speedway architecture to allow messages to be updated in real time • Museums: Las Vegas Natural History Museum, Lied Discovery and be coordinated with AMBER alert and 511 traveler infor- Museum, Liberace Museum, Secret Gardens, Shark Aquarium mation messages. Partner with other groups, organizations, agencies and municipalities along the corri- Areas of interest within the Mojave High Desert Design dor and explore ways to expand the Audio Interpretation Segment that could be highlighted include: Program. • Wildlife Viewing Areas: Desert National Wildlife Refuge, Moapa Valley (6) Single arm monotube with one signage board clarifies appearance of Wildlife Refuge, Overton Wildlife Management Area information.

5.6 1-15 corridor plan Design Guidelines 6.0 TRANSPORTATION ART 6.1 Create regionally appropriate, meaningful art. expressions that complement highway struc- For the roadway user, an artscape enhances tures and the surrounding landscape, and the travel experience and the impression of engage observers. Rather than imprints of place. Transportation art should be authentic obvious subject matter, select more complex and should evoke clear meaning and purpose artistic expressions that encourage viewers to that relates to the surrounding place, the "fill in the blanks" and in so doing, evoke a high unique culture and environment of the area, level of meaning. and the travel experience. Patterns imprinted on a highway structure should be designed 6.3 Consider each art piece as part of a larger

with an artistic composition of objects, whole. Highway art can be carefully crafted (1) Artistic application of ground treatment. (2) Culturally important mural along roadside imprints, or patterns. While complementing and the simplest of all elements have a very created as a tile mosaic. other highway structures in form and color, powerful effect. When planning transportation patterns should offer a level of complexity and art, the entire length of each design segment interest that responds to the unique experi- and the corridor should be considered. Each ence of the place and roadway travel. Art work design segment theme is planned around should be of a scale appropriate to highway views and vistas to the surrounding landscape travel speed. Consider artwork that expresses of which the art is complementary. the element of light, both natural sunlight and artificial. Select sculpture that captures the desert sun as an element of its design. To engage the viewer, patterns and objects should be used thoughtfully. Even abstract ele-

ments can and should evoke a response to the Image courtesy of Catherine Widgery physical reality of travel, time, the uniqueness (3) Cultural symbols sandblasted into stone mark of the site and/or the surrounding landscape to aspects of the historic emigrant travel. depict appropriate character and essential meaning. Avoid monotony in the duplication of repetitive literal pictorial applications. An example of this is profiled mountains rendered (4) Towering metal sculpture as part of a bridge in concrete texture. is intended to be seen from a distance.

6.2 Ensure artwork expresses an excellence of craftsmanship, quality, truthfulness and originality. Elements of highway art should not be obvious nor inauthentic. Avoid the use of ready-made, randomly placed, stand-alone objects or imprints that depict little meaning. Rather, transportation art should depict an excellence of craftsmanship, quality, truthfulness and originality. Use evocative artistic

5.7 1-15 corridor plan Design Guidelines 6.0 TRANSPORTATION ART cont. 6.4 Ensure transportation art supports the Enhance bridges, pedestrian structures, sound Landscape Design Segment themes. walls and retaining walls with appropriate Transportation art is not a typical project, and motifs and consider sculptural ornamentation, the choice of appropriate subject matter and decoration, and landmark features. media is essential to obtaining the desired expression for each Landscape Design 6.5 Engage local agencies and organizations in the Segment theme. Choose art subjects that planning process. Significant transportation support the Landscape Design Segments' art opportunities exist in each design segment themes such as: of the I-15 corridor. Artwork can be included as a component of landscape and aesthetic proj- (1) Illuminated chain curtain enhances urban (2) Glowing wall panels reflect light to create a Gateway to Nevada's Excitement: ects, or as free-standing art installations. character. bright, colorful art piece. • Celebration of arrival to Nevada Relationships with local agencies as well as the • Gateway / Threshold (visually prominent Nevada Arts Council and/or Las Vegas Art day and night) Council should be developed to assist in the • Travel review and implementation of proposed trans- • Entertainment Culture portation art projects. Consider transportation • Mojave Desert landscape and wildlife features art at the onset of project development. Engage community members, artists, land- Dynamic Desert Metropolis: scape architects and architects early in the • Travel / Tourism design and development stages of highway • Unique Urban Metropolis projects to ensure an integrated and compre- Image courtesy of Catherine Widgery • Entertainment Culture hensive art program. For Community Matching (3) Sound wall with decorative imprint motif (4) Example of sculptural art in urban setting. • The Las Vegas Strip / Resort Corridor Fund and Transportation Art programs, refer to created with custom form liner. This is both imprint as well as “additive relief” to project (visually vibrant day and night) NDOT’s guidelines outlined in the Landscape beyond the wall surface. • Red Rock Canyon and Aesthetics Procedures Manual: Guidelines, • Hoover Dam Applications, Instructions and Forms for the • City of Lights Community Matching Funds and Transportation Art Program. Mojave High Desert: • Threshold/gateway; arrival to Nevada • Travel / Tourism • Outdoor Recreation • Agriculture • Mojave Desert landscape and wildlife features • Virgin River Valley • Old Spanish Trail • Valley of Fire • Lost City (5) An example of art integrated into pedestrian railing.

5.8 1-15 corridor plan Design Guidelines 7.0 COLOR PALETTE APPLICATION 7.1 Use a uniform, consistent color palette for all 7.2 Ensure accent colors highlight structural highway structures. Standard NDOT practice aspects. Accent colors should be used to high- should use a uniform and consistent color light structural aspects and/or details of palette for all new and existing highway struc- highway structures, such as the beam of a tures that complements the surrounding bridge or a bridge railing. Ensure accent color landscape. Base and accent stain or paint colors application logically responds to and reinforces for all highway structures along the I-15 Corridor structural features or change in materials. have been selected. For color reference purposes, the colors have been matched to the Dunn- 7.3 Blend new rock cuts and/or soil with the sur- Edwards system and are shown below. rounding landscape. Match new rock and soil treatments with existing rock and soil color. From the palette below, each highway structure Where possible application shall occur in a (2) The landscape inspires the color palette for each Landscape Design Segment. A different base color is should use a selection of one base color and up central location and away from sensitive receiv- used for each segment of the corridor. to two accent colors. Ensure roadway struc- ing waters. Treatments should blend newly tures within a single Landscape Design excavated soil and rock with existing weath- Segment use the same base color and accent ered rock. Any corridor project in which rock color(s). As existing structures require refinish- cuts are included should use this process. ing, they should be stained or repainted to be consistent with the selected color palette. Specific logos and transportation art are exempt (refer to Transportation Art guideline, page 5.7). (3) , (4) Field testing of color palette in different light, orientation, and settings.

BASE COLORS ACCENT COLORS

Gateway to Nevada’s Excitement #6027 Any two accent colors may #6074 be selected from the following palette. All Landscape Design Segments use these #6089 accent colors.

#6013 Dynamic Desert Metropolis #6130

#5978

#5914 Mojave High Desert #6221 Existing condition. After color application. #5537 (5) , (6) The following images demonstrate existing roadway structures before and after color palette application. Color application can be retrofitted to existing-in-place structures.

(1) The proposed color palette refers to the Dunn-Edwards paint system, for reference purposes only.

5.9 1-15 corridor plan Design Guidelines 7.0 COLOR PALETTE APPLICATION cont. Existing Conditions 7.4 Use color composition on bridges to visually reinforce structural elements. Use the base and accent colors to reinforce the structural elements and integrity of a bridge. Concrete bridge spans, superstructure support, and slope paving should be selected from the landscape segment After Application base color. Railing and other features incorporat- ing a material change should be accent colors. Steel bridge spans should use an accent color.

(1), (2) Appropriate coloring of bridge enhances visually quality 8.0 NON-MOTORIZED TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS (NMT) 8.1 Engage agencies and organizations in the planning and design process. Engage federal, state and local agencies as well as local user groups and organizations in the planning, design and implementation of non-motorized transportation facilities. Ensure proper planning (4) An accentuated pedestrian walkway along a (5) Pedestrian/bicycle bridge over major conveniently accommodates NMT while mini- roadway. roadway. mizing adverse safety and environmental impacts. Consult the statewide bicycle and pedestrian plans prepared by NDOT.

8.2 Integrate NMT into the right-of-way. NMT systems can be accommodated and should be

encouraged within some areas of the highway (6) Regional pedestrian trail integrated into (7) Custom pedestrian bridge rail highlights crossing right-of-way. Where right-of-way topography, highway right-of-way and providing connections point. for pedestrian under highway bridges into neigh- site conditions, and land use warrant, separate borhoods. bicycle paths may be built. Where possible ensure direct connections to existing and future trail systems and multi-use pathways.

(8) Native materials can be used to create unique (9) Pedestrian underpass integrated into highway pedestrian crossings. bridge design, rather than separate structure design. Height of opening allows light into underpass.

5.10 1-15 corridor plan Design Guidelines 9.0 BRIDGES 9.1 Use a consistent bridge design. Use bridge structures 9.3 Use visually light bridge rail structures. Consider of similar proportions, finish, and barrier rail design open rail design of steel rail or concrete barrier and consistently throughout the corridor. In the Dynamic steel, both to create a more refined bridge with a Desert Metropolis segment, street names should be lighter appearing span. Maintain scenic views and embossed on the bridge span, providing place identi- views to the surrounding landscape where possible. fication for the motorist. Where special conditions Where a solid concrete barrier is required for safety arise and larger or different bridge spans or types are consideration, use shadow lines and patterns to required, ensure the new bridge is compatible with avoid blank surfaces. the type used elsewhere in the corridor. (3) Simple bridge design inte- (4) Bridge design with Focal (5) Special bridge design ele- 9.4 Consider fill embankments and approach rails as part grated into embankment with hardscape features in urban ments to create a focal feature. 9.2 Use simple sub-structure and support features. of the bridge design. Consider fill embankments and landscape planting. setting. Where possible, avoid "V," "Y" or flared support shapes approach rails in concert with the abutment, bridge in sub-structure and support features. Instead, use barrier rail, and superstructure. Materials, height, and simple sub-structure and support features with attachment details should be carefully considered strong proportional relationships in bridge design. when connecting guardrails to the bridge. Minimize Use simple geometric shapes to minimize the slope pavement at bridge embankments and consid- support profile as well as the number of supports er flattening slopes to 3H:1V. Use rock mulches, required. When bridge supports involve stream cross- stone riprap, or decorative slope paving (minimally) to ings, a column shape must account for bridge scour. stabilize steep banks immediately below the bridge.

(6) This is an example of a (7) Bridge design with simple sub-structure and support feature. landmark bridge detail. Edge of bridge deck

Parallel Extended Wall Bridge

(1) Sample bridge support cross sections.

(2) Avoid bridge structure design that creates walls parallel to (8) Horizontal patterning on (9) This is an example landmark bridge design. the travel lane. Utilize graded slope and abutments. bridge support using sunlight and shadow to enrich visual texture.

5.11 1-15 corridor plan Design Guidelines 9.0 BRIDGES cont. 9.5 Use landscape or rock mulch to stabilize embankments. Contour grade embankments and use landscape planting to maintain embankment where possible. Use retaining 2:1 Slope walls to establish suitable flat landscape areas where right-of-way is narrow. Ensure mulch materials match bridge structure color and the surrounding landscape (see Color Palette guide- (1) Avoid 2:1 slope as primary bridge abutment and the need for line for appropriate color selection, page 5.9). slope pavement to stabilize steep slope. Rock mulches, stone rip-rap, or decorative slope paving (minimally) are appropriate to stabilize abutments below the bridge. When slope pave- 3:1 Slope ment is used, include integral color to match base color palette. (6) Proportions significantly affect visual appeal of structure.

9.6 Select vandalism resistant finishes. Finish type, (2) Avoid weak proportions in bridges with shallow or undersized abutments. color, and surface patterns are important Lighting is integrated into the design elements in coordinating the structure structure of the bridge. with the surrounding landscape. Select bridge 3:1 Slope Vertical abutment structures are finishes of appropriate color (see Color Palette Shadow patterns in structures occur due to relief of more visually appealing than guideline, page 5.9) and vandalism-resistance. planes and specific shadow lines and may be located bridge designs with slope paving at joints or as part of the ornament of the bridge. and minimal clearance below the All exposed surfaces located in urban areas bridge span. A minimum of 6 feet should be treated with non-sacrificial anti-graf- (3) Avoid characteristic shapes that don’t allow the structure to of abutment below the super- fiti finishes. Color and finish selections will be visually supported. Structural connections are not visu- structure is required with a ally prominent below bridge deck. preferred distance of 6’ - 10’. assist in reinforcing the design intent of the bridge structure. Use “fine surface finish” as needed to apply color stains and anti-graffiti 3:1Slope coatings.

(4) Preferred use of bridges with retaining wall abutment and 3:1 slope is intended for the corridor.

3:1Slope Rock mulch provides erosion protection rather than slope paving. The maximum of 3:1 slopes allows landscape to be planted without additional retaining walls. (5) Preferred use of a batter to the abutment is a desirable Rip-rap placed below feature. abutments.

(7) Bridge abutment and barrier rail designed as a composition with jointing and materials consistently applied into a well proportioned bridge.

5.12 1-15 corridor plan Design Guidelines 9.0 BRIDGES cont. 9.7 Create a visual design unity among all 9.8 Integrate landscape and aesthetics at the Approach Transition Slope Bridge Substructure Bridge span Bridge span Bridge Embankment barrier barrier rail paving is barrier rail is poorly inte- is glaring proportion abutment fill slope is existing and new structures. Coordinate onset of project planning. NDOT’s initial rail height and required lacks visual grated into white is bulky the largest visual aspects of bridges with sound walls, report on type, size and location of connection because of relief the bridge feature of is poorly excessively span the bridge retaining walls, and other highway struc- highway structures should include infor- attached steep tures. Create a visual design relationship mation regarding landscape and embankment that includes coordinating materials, pat- aesthetics elements. terns, color, and other design elements of structures. Establish visual design continuity of existing bridges and other Steep slopes structures by implementing a paint/stain prevent planting retrofit program to unify color schemes and are very erodible. where they vary within a corridor. (2) Typical bridge components lack visual appeal.

Approach Bridge Erosion Bridge Substructure Super structure Bridge Embankment barrier barrier control span proportion with simple with horizontal abutment fill slope flattened rail rail is light and open columns shadow lines designed to allow planting as strong and reduce erosion visual anchor

(3) Landscape and aesthetic treatments improve the appearance of the bridge when guidelines from this section are applied.

Accent Color Base Color Rail Termination

Wall with horizontal shadow lines and smooth finish makes up 1/5 of the wall abutment. Random Vertical Pattern Wall Finish

Light and Thin Proportion for Span 3H:1V embankment slope, no slope pavement

Vertical abutment structure must be a minimum of 6’ high with a preferred distance of 6’ - 10 ‘.

(1) A Landmark bridge in the Flamboyant Resort Corridor segment. (4) Preferred bridge design elements for I-15 corridor.

5.13 1-15 corridor plan Design Guidelines 10.0 RETAINING WALLS 10.1 Consider grading to minimize wall height. Along steep embankments, terraced grades and low retaining walls to avoid the need for high walls and/or expansive facades are recommended. On gradual sloping grades, ensure the top of wall transitions appropriately with the slope. Match the top of wall with the adjacent contour. Use a step or change of plane where walls exceed 14 feet vertical height above the finished road surface (illustrations 1 and 4).

10.2 Provide landscape planting. Landscape plantings (1) An example of a step or change of plane for a retaining wall (2) An example of a cantilevered retaining wall (3) Bridge design integrated into retaining wall in front of walls will soften the appearance of greater than 14 vertical feet. with a simple, consistent use of materials. with landscape planting to create moderately large wall faces. When planning and designing Vertical joints are most compatible with the steep slopes and terraces for planting. finish. retaining walls, landscape planting and maintenance space should be provided. Landscape planting space at the wall base should occur wherever retaining walls are included.

10.3 Anchor retaining walls to the earth. Turn the end portions of retaining walls into cut-slopes to provide greater stability to the wall's surface and to create the positive visual effect that the wall is "anchored" to the earth. Avoid over- steepened slope transition at retaining wall ends or introduction of rip-rap to correct this condition. Extend wall return to accommodate (4) An example of the tunnel effect created by a retaining wall (5) Simple retaining wall patterning, railing (6) Retaining wall and pedestrian walkway with greater than 14 vertical feet. graded slope (illustrations 7 and 8). design, and landscape palette. The wall is sepa- desert visual design theme created with concrete rated from the concrete barrier by a space and form liners. planting area.

Turn retaining wall ends into slope

(7) Turning the ends of retaining walls “anchors” (8) Retained slopes with walls should return to them into the earth and creates a finished end to meet uphill grade. the retaining wall.

5.14 1-15 corridor plan Design Guidelines 10.0 RETAINING WALLS cont. 10.4 Select a simple design palette. Choose a simple design palette of material, pattern, color, and texture that coordinates with the corridor’s Landscape Design Segment theme for retaining walls. Maintain consistent use of the selected material, pattern, color and texture. Avoid using multiple materials, such as steel, concrete, key- stone block or CMU on walls (refer to Color Palette guideline, page 5.9, and Transportation (1) Avoid small scale joints, octagon, or cruciform shaped panels. These are only acceptable when Art guideline, page 5.7, for more information textured with a rusticated variable vertical pattern. about appropriate patterns). Exterior finish for retaining walls should have the same visual appearance independent of the type of wall. For MSE walls, 50 square foot size panels are preferred with vertical joints and a rectangular shape. All panels should have a rusticated variable vertical pattern that extends across the entire surface. The prototypical surface finish is shown in illustration 3 and is detailed in illustration 6 on page 5.16. (2) Avoid multiple materials, shapes, and joint patterns.

10.5 Choose an appropriate visual design subject. Use visual design themes and/or pictorial motifs comprised of simple patterns and distinct surface texture, and carefully design the motifs composition (height and position) on the wall. Ensure that visual design themes and/or pictorial motifs are an appropriate subject and scale for the highway segment in which they are located (refer to (3) Preferred finish is rusticated variable vertical texture and pattern. Surfaces should have a single finish Transportation Art guideline, page 5.7, for whether MSE, cast-in-place, or other wall type is used. Consistency with other structures is required. more information about appropriate subject matter).

5.15 1-15 corridor plan Design Guidelines 11.0 SOUND WALLS AND VISUAL SCREEN WALLS 11.1 Consider grading to minimize wall height. This guideline is not intended to change or supercede federal sound wall requirements. Aesthetic improvements for sound walls should be considered in concert with specific site characteristics, available space, cost, and noise protection procedures. Where possible, free- standing sound walls should not exceed14 feet in height without a step in the wall plane. Consider an embankment slope to buffer sound, (1) Avoid post and panel system for permanent sound wall applica- (2) Use culturally important (3) Form liners can produce (4) Horizontal sound wall pat- or use a combination of earth berms and sound tion. design motifs on sound walls as details in wall patterns. terning add visual interest. a pattern to avoid “blank monot- walls to achieve structural integrity and buffer ony” of wall surfaces. sound while limiting actual wall height. Walls used only for visual screening should not exceed 10 feet.

11.2 Provide landscape planting and setback space between the vehicle recovery zone and the sound wall. Landscape plantings in front of walls will soften the appearance of large wall faces. Ensure planting and planting maintenance is accommodated both in front of and behind the wall. (5) A wall return of three feet is (6) Required prototypical surface (7) Rusticated variable vertical (8) Pattern treatment avoids sin- (9) Motif patterned retaining recommended for sound walls at pattern is rusticated variable verti- patterning adds visual interest. gular, obvious repetitive design. wall and sound wall considers the beginning of the wall facing cal ribbing. Dimensions vary the location of the pattern on 11.3 Select a simple design palette. Choose a simple the driver (outside clear zone). between 2”- 8” apart. the wall. design palette of material, pattern, color, and texture that coordinates with the corridor’s Landscape Design Segment theme for retaining walls and sound walls. Maintain consistent use of the selected material, pattern, color, and texture. The required prototypical surface pattern is shown in illustration 6. Avoid using multiple materials, such as steel and concrete or CMU, on continuous spans of wall. Post and panel systems are not recommended for permanent sound wall construction and should be used only for temporary applications. If a post and panel system is used, then it should be constructed of a single material, preferably pre-cast concrete. Original Grade (10) Integrate sound walls into highway right-of-way (11) Grading in combination with walls will reduce the (12) Earth berms or embankment slopes are effective as with landscape planting between wall and roadway. The height of walls while still meeting federal noise stan- sound barriers and can be used in combination with par- setback also allows earth contour grading to vary the dards. tially depressed road profiles. This can avoid walls where wall heights and base grade. sound attenuation is required.

5.16 1-15 corridor plan Design Guidelines 11.0 SOUND WALLS AND VISUAL SCREEN WALLS cont. 11.4 Choose an appropriate visual design subject. 11.6 Separate walls from other highway structures Preferred - Tapered Transition Preferred - Curved Use visual design themes and/or pictorial motifs and set back from travel lanes. When practical, 20 - 30 ‘ comprised of simple patterns and distinct avoid attaching walls to concrete barriers and/or Individual step height not to exceed 3 feet surface texture, and carefully design the motifs retaining structures. When walls are attached to composition (height and position) on the wall. such structures, avoid mixing materials and Ensure that visual design themes and/or pictori- incompatible forms. Ensure walls are carefully al motifs are an appropriate subject and scale planned for and integrated with the design of Allowed transition for sound wall top for the highway segment in which they are the highway and/or bridge. Set walls back a Allowed transition for sound wall grade changes located. Walls over 12 feet in height require minimum of 30 feet from edge of travel lane Avoid - Angular Wall Top special graphic or pattern treatment (refer to where possible. Walls may be placed on top of Preferred - Stepped Transition Transportation Art guideline, page 5.7, for more concrete barriers only when no other practical Individual step height information about appropriate subject matter). solution exists. not to exceed 2 feet

11.5 Create visual breaks and interruptions to avoid 11.7 Encourage noise-compatible land uses adjacent monotony along walls. Use staggered and/or to highway corridors. At the planning level, Not allowed for sound wall top curved walls of varying lengths to provide visual encourage land uses adjacent to highways that Allowed grade transition with steps between 8” and 2’ interest along extended stretches of sound are more compatible with highway noise such as Avoid - Eased Transition Preferred - Stepped Transition with Staggered Walls 6 ’ walls. Prototypical wall layout designs are illus- commercial and light industrial areas. Noise sen- 3 ’ trated on pages 5.17 and 5.18. Battered walls, sitive receptors, such as residential areas, which are inclined walls, can provide additional schools, hospitals, and recreation facilities interest. Shadow patterns can be introduced to require sound abatement strategies while other create visual interest that shift and change types of uses may not. Coordination at the plan- Preferred grade transition with minimum stagger of 24” Not allowed for sound wall top throughout the day. Configure walls as illustrat- ning stages is critical to avoid conflicts. between wall planes ed in the illustrations below. (1) (2)

(3), (4), (5) This sequence of travel over approximately 1,000 feet illustrates a prototypical sound wall design for the corridor. Characteristics include staggered wall planes, landscape planting in front of the wall face, and patterning on the wall face.

5.17 1-15 corridor plan Design Guidelines 11.0 SOUND WALLS AND VISUAL SCREEN WALLS cont.

Plan view of curved wall configuration

Note: Provide for maintenance Plan view of offset staggered wall configuration access to both sides of walls (3) Using curved and/or staggered sound walls creates visual interest and reduces the impact of a monolithic structure.

(4) Uphill Condition

Maintenance Access

(5) Uphill Condition Drain

(1) Walls approaching bridges can be adapted with a setback and planting strip. A flare of the upper one-fourth of the wall further prevents an enclosed, narrow passage.

Patterning and shadow lines are required on both sides of sound wall and concrete barrier

(6) Downhill Condition

(2) When concrete barrier and walls co-exist without buffer space, wall is integrated into the concrete barrier rail.

5.18 1-15 corridor plan Design Guidelines

12.0 CONCRETE BARRIERS AND GUARD RAILS (1) Acid washed steel guardrail should be used in remote locations. 12.1 Stain concrete barriers. Concrete barriers should be stained to match the segment’s base color (refer to Color Palette guideline, page 5.9, for more information on color selection).

12.2 Avoid bright, shiny steel appearance in visually sensitive areas. Use acid washed steel guardrails where appropriate to reduce glossy appearance.

13.0 LIGHTING (2) Lights are incorporat- (3) Powder coat coloring 13.1 Analyze lighting requirements. Excessive high accent color palette for poles (refer to Color ed in the bridge design as blends into surrounding mast lighting can create light pollution along a Palette guideline, page 5.9, for more information). a feature of the approach. environment. corridor and excessive height masts can impact The desired pole configurations are shown at the the view of surrounding vistas. Avoid overlight- right. Allow for context sensitive design in fix- ing facilities. Study lighting level standards tures and poles where appropriate in areas such currently in place and determine levels needed as historic sites. for safety only. Adjust current standards, if necessary, and use a minimum height, illumination, (4) This is an example of (5) This is an example of monumental light incor- a colored shoebox style and number of light masts required. Focus atten- porated into road design. fixture on a steel pole. tion on luminance vs. illumination (i.e. how bright is the pavement vs. how bright is the light).

13.2 Avoid high-mast lighting. Along all sections of the corridor, use lighting fixtures that minimize light pollution and provide even light dispersion. Eliminate lighting where not necessary. High mast lighting should be avoided in favor of cobra head or shoe box type pole and fixtures.

13.3 Use a consistent lighting fixture and pole. In urban areas, use a durable, powder-coated finish for light poles of a color that matches other (6) Avoid high mast (7) Avoid this type of pole (8) Preferred fixture and pole configuration. structures and the surrounding landscape. Use lighting. design in favor of more streamlined attachments.

5.19 1-15 corridor plan Design Guidelines 14.0 FENCING 14.1 Ensure right-of-way fencing blends with the landscape. Fencing can be used in non-urban areas to delineate the highway right-of-way. Where appropriate use three-strand wire fencing. Ensure right-of-way fencing is well maintained. Where fencing is required in urban areas, use powder coated or stained colored galvanized fencing.

(1) Three-strand fencing should be used within the rural segments of the corridor.

15.0 GRADING 15.1 Avoid creating steep slopes. Smooth, moder- slopes are revegetated (refer to Native Plant ately inclined slopes will blend more readily Revegetation softscape guideline, page 5.25). with the surrounding desert landscape, are Use fill material to reduce the visual rigidity of safer to maintain, and are less vulnerable to the constructed slope geometry. In addition, erosion. Place top soil salvaged from construc- soil-coloring treatments that blend newly cut tion site on cut/fill slopes. Flattened fill slopes or filled soil with existing soils should be can assist in slowing down the erosion process. implemented. Grade slopes to provide for water harvesting (reclaimed surface runoff) wherever feasible. In 15.3 Create artful earthwork. Grading is the foun- addition, flatter slopes reduce the need for dation of all aspects of the corridor. In guardrails and provide better accident recov- addition to grading for effective roadway ery in the vehicle clear zone. Where site alignment, carefully consider contour grading. (2) Naturalized contour grading. (3) The travel route sequence is defined by earthwork which defines space. conditions and cost analysis permit, acquire Create landforms that respond to the unique- adequate right-of-way to provide enough land ness of the site, the surrounding landscape, Rounded slope condition 1/6 of total slope to design and build the desired slope and and the roadway travel experience. Contour Replace “V”-swale with rounded swale grade. In some locations, steeper slopes may grade to create effective planting embank- profile transitioning to embankment be unavoidable to protect important natural or ments, as well as shadow patterns, and artful cultural resources adjacent to the highway. earthwork.

15.2 Create smooth landform transitions and 15.4 Blend earthwork with existing slope condi- revegetate slopes. Finish-grading techniques tions. Patterns of topography should be Rounded slope condition at top and bottom of such as slope rounding at the top and bottom considered with proposed grading. Valleys, slope of cuts should be used to create smooth land- high points and ridges require graded transi- form transitions that blend with the natural tions, rather than abrubt embankment cuts or (4) Artful earthwork and contour grading terrain. Carefully grade slopes around natural fills. will create landscapes that integrate outcrops and abrupt topography to improve with Nevada’s existing topography. aesthetics and allow for easier and more cost- (5) Smooth transitions between cut and fill slopes and existing conditions effective maintenance. Ensure all constructed can be accomplished by rounding the slopes.

5.20 1-15 corridor plan Design Guidelines 16.0 ROCK CUT AND EXCAVATION 16.1 Analyze rock geology. Work with a multi-disci- plinary team of civil engineers, geotechnical engineers and landscape architects whose job it is to ensure that the inherent character of a rock's natural bedding planes, fractures, joints, and overall stability. Conduct careful rock geology, site and cost analysis, and design rock cuts to avoid the need for rock fall protection fencing.

16.2 Design rock cuts to be natural in form. Ensure (1) Artificially appearing straight cuts and benches would rock cuts are designed to look natural in form, be replaced with custom naturalized cuts. (4) Rock cuts and excavation should be natural in form, shape, and texture, and color in relationship to the sur- (5) Example of the rock cut in texture. Rock formations, such as this rhyolite outcrop, have an inherent which natural bedding planes rounding landforms. Customize fracture rock visual form that can be duplicated in custom rock excavations. were used to excavate natural- cuts to match natural rock form and use natu- ized landform. Weathering techniques blend this rock cut. ralized bedding planes to avoid creating a sheer, unnatural rock face. Ensure all designed landforms are natural in appearance and blend with the topography and geology of the surrounding landscape. Match new rock and soil excavations with existing rock and soil using rock staining, soil-coloring treatments, and/or accelerated weathering techniques. Such (2) An example of custom benching, following the natural formation of the rock and accomplishing the same eleva- treatments will successfully blend newly cut tion change as example 1. or filled soil and rock with existing weathered rock. Where site conditions and cost analysis permit, acquire adequate right-of-way to provide enough land to design and build the desired rock cut slope and grade.

(3) Artificial terracing in an existing road cut creates poor (6) Re-sculpted rock cuts change artificial slope banks into naturally occurring landforms. Plan cuts that terrace, visual appearance. bench, and use bedding planes found in existing rock formations.

5.21 1-15 corridor plan Design Guidelines 17.0 DRAINAGE 17.1 Use naturalized channel design and infiltration methods. Where possible avoid paving drainage ditches or check dams with asphalt or concrete. Secure check dams with rock and use naturalized channel design and infiltration methods to enhance, both functionally and visually, highway drainage systems. On a case by case situation, utilize geotextiles, impervious mats, or stone lining to maintain a naturally appearing channel. When excessive flow velocities or soil conditions must be accommodated, paved drainage surfaces may be used.

17.2 Revegetate drainage infrastructure. Drainage detention and infiltration areas should be shaped with natural undulating edges and bottoms rather than angular embankment slopes. Upper slopes of Image courtesy NDOT Stormwater Quality Manuals Image courtesy NDOT Stormwater Quality Manuals drainage detention basins should be revegetated or (1) Design of detention basin avoids engineered flow (2) Fiber rolls reduce sediment migration. (3) Rock bed drainage allows water to infiltrate and covered with appropriate ground treatment (refer patterns. provide water for adjacent plant materials. to Ground Treatment softscape type guideline, page 5.24, and Native Plant Revegetation softscape type guideline, page 5.25).

18.0 EROSION CONTROL 18.1 Stabilize soils and ensure successful revegetation to control erosion. Stabilize soils and control erosion using techniques such as heavy textured soil and/or gravel mulches to slow water run-off and provide dust control. Where water concen- trates, rip-rap material and/or geo-textile reinforcement may be used to avoid erosion. The success of permanent revegetation efforts can be improved by providing in situ topsoil, native vegetation fragments, rocks, improving soil salvage techniques and seed mixes.

18.2 Refer to temporary and permanent erosion control best management practices as prepared and documented by NDOT.

(4) Water basins blend into their natural surroundings. (5) Application of soil stabilizer aids in dust and erosion (6) Avoid asphalt drainage channels. control.

5.22 1-15 corridor plan Design Guidelines 19.0 WATER HARVESTING 19.1 Maintain soil moisture and improve water • Site Surfacing: Rock surface composition • Mulches and Tackifiers: Use mulch and tacki- retention by preserving top soil, site surfac- should simulate the original or adjacent fiers to keep seeds and topsoil cover in place ing, track walking, and applying mulches and surface cover. Placing rocks and shaping and to assist with moisture retention during tackifiers. Soil moisture and water retention landforms to create depressions will increase germination. can be maintained and enhanced in several water retention, providing needed moisture ways, including: to the plants. Rocks create impervious cover, 19.2 Use natural and/or artificial products to resulting in water harvesting for the remain- collect, store, and release water for plant • Topsoil Preservation: Stripping and salvaging ing soil and seeds. Rocks also create a rough, use. Use products such as: the existing topsoil, vegetation seeds and uneven surface, thereby slowing water • Pumice wicks plant fragments for later reapplication runoff, and allowing water to collect. • Polymer products should be done to increase both the quanti- • Diatomaceous earth ty of organic matter and water holding • Track Walking: Where possible, track walk all • Wattles capacity of the soil. slope surfaces to stabilize material and minimize potential erosion.

20.0 IRRIGATION 20.1 Select efficient and effective irrigation selves in the arid climate. As revegetation 20.4 Use natural and/or artificial products to systems. Select efficient drip irrigation becomes more established and mature, the collect, store, and release water for plant systems that have a central controller and demand for water will lessen to the point of use. Use products such as: that can be easily maintained. Consider the being removed. Temporary watering may be • Pumice wicks use of reclaimed water, including fully required for containerized native plants. • Polymer products treated effluent and water harvesting tech- Permanent irrigation to individual plants is • Diatomaceous earth niques, as a supplement to irrigation. usually required for all Regionally Adapted • Wattles and Regional Ornamental softscape types. 20.2 Provide appropriate supplemental irrigation for each softscape type. Temporary irriga- 20.3 Manage the high concentration of salts. In tion may be provided for establishment of Nevada’s desert soils, in drip irrigation situa- Native Plant Revegetation softscape plant- tions, salts often concentrate at the outer ings. This may include using drip irrigation edge of the wetted soil volume, including and/or water applied by truck. The early stage near the soil surface. Salt management tech- of revegetation growth demands the most niques include flushing the soil periodically water use and is the critical period when with heavy watering and/or planting salt tol- young plants are starting to establish them- erant materials.

5.23 1-15 corridor plan Design Guidelines 21.0 GROUND TREATMENT SOFTSCAPE TYPE

21.1 Implement appropriate "Ground Treatment" 21.3 Coordinate ground treatment with the sur- Avoid asphalt paving in median condi- softscape type. Use Revegetation softscape rounding landscape. Ground treatment should tions. Use stone mulch or native plant revegetation in lieu of hard paving. type and an appropriate ground treatment to coordinate in size, texture, color, and aggre- assist in erosion and dust control. (refer to gate mix with the surrounding landscape. Native Plant Revegetation softscape type, Mulches composed of multi-sized rock that page 5.25, for more information about revege- create natural patterns of surrounding soils tation practices). Where used, rock mulch should be considered as a matching tech- should complement and/or match the sur- nique. Where ornamental plantings are used, rounding natural environment. For rural areas, the ground should be treated with combina- ground treatment plant palettes should be tions of rock mulches, colored soil, and/or derived from natural patterns found in playas, boulders to break up expansive ground planes (1) Match texture and variety of size of stone found in the surrounding landscape. foothills or ephemeral drainages. For areas and provide visual interest. within urban settings, use rock mulches to create aesthetically rich patterned and textured ground treatments. Implement a ground treatment retrofit program to treat areas which are bare soil.

21.2 Consider aesthetics and maintenance. Select ground treatment in all non-paved areas that meets both aesthetics and maintenance requirements.

(2) Large-scale ground cover stone placement of various sizes.

(3), (4) A mix of aggregate size and color re-establishes the graded slope to a naturalized condition.

5.24 1-15 corridor plan Design Guidelines 22.0 NATIVE PLANT REVEGETATION SOFTSCAPE TYPE 22.1 Re-establish the native desert condition and should be used as a guide for revegeta- ripping in order to loosen hardpan and using the Native Plant Revegetation tion. For excerpts regarding plant improve seeding success. In conditions of softscape type. The Native Plant communities appropriate to the I-15 corri- steep cut and slopes greater than 40 percent, Revegetation softscape type should be dor, refer to Appendix A of this plan. slope disking is required to create seed implemented as shown in the Landscape pockets. Design Segments. Ensure all roadway con- 22.3 Salvage native plants and topsoil prior to struction in these areas re-establishes native construction. Salvage existing native plant In most cases, organic material will need to desert conditions. The Mojave Desert com- material prior to construction. The species to be added to the site to improve soil quality. munity is dominated by a mix of widely be salvaged depends on location, soils and Each site should be carefully analyzed to spaced shrubs and short-lived annuals analysis of plant value including the poten- determine the type of fertilizer application. prompted by winter rains. All revegetative tial survival rate. Salvaged plants can readily On sites with hardpan and salts near the projects should follow native plant spatial improve the roadside aesthetic by providing surface, an amendment to control or amelio- and frequency patterns. In addition, native mature plants that would normally take rate pH should be applied. Scattered rock plant revegetative projects should be evalu- many years to establish. In addition, ensure mulch is to be used with this softscape type ated in terms of elevation, site soil native topsoil is collected and stored for re- as groundcover. It will provide seed pockets conditions, and ecosystem types such as use. Native topsoil provides a seed source and protection that will assist in the estab- riparian, playa, or salt barren, when selecting and important bacteria for salvaged plant lishment of seed. an appropriate native plant revegetation establishment and growth. Carefully remove, palette. stockpile, and store the native top soil of 22.5 Collect native seed. Initiate a process for new construction projects to be used as final native seed collection at the start of a each 22.2 Select perennial grasses, herbs, and shrubs bedding material. Ensure native soil stock- project where revegetation is designated. that can be established with little or no piles are protected from the wind to avoid Native seed should be collected from a site maintenance over the long term. Select erosion and the creation of a dust hazard. in close proximity to the revegetation area. plants that have been evaluated for drought Because unpredictable weather patterns can tolerance, salt and alkali tolerance, seedling 22.4 Apply a prescribed soil treatment and affect seed availability, plan ahead to ensure vigor, fire retardant characteristics, growth conduct effective site preparation. Every usable seed. Native seed can also be pur- habit, suitable soil groups, seeding rates, revegetation project requires a prescribed chased through seed companies. Pure Live Seed (PLS), availability, and general soil treatment. Soil treatments include costs of native seed sources. Ecosystem cat- plowing, disking, harrowing, furrowing, egories and suitable plant species have been hydroseeding, applying mulches (such as identified for revegetation specifications straw), and using tackifiers (such as dark along Nevada's highways in Mapping colored netting) to firmly anchor the Ecosystems Along Nevada Highways and the mulches to the site. Soils should be rough- Development of Specifications for Vegetation ened before and after planting to create Remediation (Tueller et al, 2002). Tueller's favorable seed sites, particularly for grass report offers a complete description of suit- and forb seeds. In silty conditions, a soil sta- able plant species and plant communities, bilizer, such as a hydromulch or a matting soil classification units, and best manage- material, should be applied to reduce poten- ment practices for vegetation remediation tial dust problems. Some sites require deep

5.25 1-15 corridor plan Design Guidelines 22.0 NATIVE PLANT REVEGETATION SOFTSCAPE TYPE cont. Recommended Native Plant Revegetation Plant Palette 22.9 Monitor revegetation construction. Carefully should be initiated by a tree inventory plan Height x Width Exposure to Sun Water Requirement Seasonal Interest Trees: monitor revegetation to ensure the specified listing all protected trees and other land- Acacia greggii - Catclaw Acacia 15-25' x 15' Full Sun Low water use Sp/ Fall Chilopsis linearis - Desert Willow 20' x 15' Full Sun Med- low water use Sp/ Fall materials and installation methods have been scape materials within the right-of-way Prosopis glandulosa - Honey Mesquite 25' x 35' Full Sun Medium water use Summer used in applying treatments. In addition, con- which includes: a listing of species, size and Yucca brevifolia - Joshua Tree 30' x 15' Full Sun Low water use Spring

tinue to monitor revegetation plantings for up condition of each tree, index of trees to be Shrubs: to five years after construction to ensure suc- removed and trees to preserve, and an Ambrosia dumosa - White Bursage 2' x 3' Full Sun Low water use Fall/Sp Atriplex canescens - Four Wing Saltbush 5' x 8' Full Sun Low water use Year round cessful establishment. Include temporary outline of specifications for tree mainte- Baccharis spp. - Baccharis 9' x 9' Full-Partial Sun Low water use Spring ***note: plant male species only irrigation if needed. Provide training to NDOT nance during construction. Coleogyne ramosissima - Blackbrush 5’x6' Full Sun Low water use Spring staff overseeing revegetation administration. ***note seed with Erioneuron pulchellum Ephedra nevadensis - Mormon Tea 3' x 3' Full Sun Low water use Year round Failures in revegetation can often be attrib- Larrea tridentata - Creosote Bush 10' x 10' Full Sun Low water use Spring uted to poor installation and maintenance. Cacti, Perennials and Accents: Baileya multiradiata - Desert Marigold 1' x 1' Full-Partial Sun Low water use Sp/Sum/Fall Echinocereus engelmannii - Hedge Hog Cactus .4' x 1.25' Full Sun Low water use Year round 22.10 General plant section. Carefully select native Encelia farinosa - Brittlebush 3' x 4' Full Sun Low Water Use Spring plant species. In addition to plant species Erioneuron pulchellum - Fluffgrass 2" x 6" Full Sun Low Water Use Sp/Sum Ferocactus acanthodes - Barrel Cactus 3-5' x 1.5' Full Sun Low water use Sp/Sum identified in Mapping Ecosystems Along Opuntia bigelovia - Teddy Bear Cholla 4' x 2' Full Sun Low water use Spring Nevada Highways and the Development of Sphaeralcea ambigua - Desert Globemallow 3' x 3' Full Sun Low water use Spring Yucca schidigera - Mojave Yucca 12' x 6' Full Sun Low water use Spring Specifications for Vegetation Remediation, refer to the list of native plant species pro- For additional plants appropriate to the different plant communities, refer to Appendix A. vided for revegetation efforts. Ensure the Note: Several of the plants listed above and within the Appendix A will require establishment from seed since they are not available in containers. plant palette selected for the site complements existing vegetation in the surrounding landscape. Use native plant species to create plant communities with variations in plant height and width. (1) Nursery grown plants harden in the sun in order to Additional plants not included in the adja- survive environmental conditions. cent list can be included upon review and approval. Consider sunlight, water and wind exposure when placing plant material.

22.11 Preserve healthy, mature trees and/or vegetation within the right-of-way. Mature vegetation is an integral part of community life and an important public resource that enhances the quality of life. All previously landscaped areas with ornamental plant materials measuring 4’ above the ground and trees with greater than 3” caliper in good condition, form, and health shall be pre- (2) Appropriate tree boxing techniques are necessary served. All softscape treatment projects (3) Native plant materials northwest of Las Vegas including: Hedge Hog Cactus, for proper transfer of tree materials during construc- Blackbrush, Fluff grass, and Mojave Yuccas. tion.

5.26 1-15 corridor plan Design Guidelines 23.0 ENHANCED NATIVE SOFTSCAPE TYPE Recommended Enhanced Native Plant Palette 23.1 Enrich the native softscape palette with the ment projects should be initiated by a tree Height x Width Exposure to Sun Water Requirement Seasonal Interest Trees: Enhanced Native softscape type. The Enhanced inventory plan listing all protected trees and Acacia shaffneri - Twisted Acacia 18’ x 20’ Full Sun Low Water Use Spring Native softscape type should be utilized as other landscape materials within the right-of- Acacia smallii - Sweet Acacia 10-35’ X 15-25’ Full Sun Low Water Use Spring Cercidium microphyllum - Foothills Palo Verde 20’ x 20’ Full Sun Low Water Use Spring shown in the Landscape Design Segments. The way which includes: a listing of species, size and Chitalpa tashkentensis - Chitalpa 30’ x 30’ Full Sun Moderate Water Use Fall Enhanced Native softscape type enriches the condition of each tree, index of trees to be Cordia parviflora - Little Leaf Cordia 4’ x 8’ Full Sun Low Water Use Summer Parkinsonia aculeata - Mexican Palo Verde 30’ x 30’ Full Sun Low Water Use Spring Mojave Desert's limited palette with a mix of removed and trees to preserve, and a outline of Prosopis alba - Colorado Mesquite 30’ x 30’ Full-Partial Sun Moderate Water Use Summer Prosopis chinensis - Chilean Mesquite 25’ x 40’ Full Sun Moderate Water Use Summer vertical heights and densities. A variety of specifications for tree maintenance during con- Prosopis velutina - Velvet Mesquite 25’ x 30’ Full Sun Moderate Water Use Spring native species are planted in moderately dense struction. Rhus lancea - African Sumac 20’ x 30’ Full-Partial Sun Low-Mod Water Use Spring Vitex agnus-castus - Chaste Tree 25’ x 25’ Full Sun Moderate Water Use Summer patterns to create this landscape. The Enhanced Native softscape type uses the same plant Shrubs: Acacia cultriformis - Knifeleaf Acacia 10-15’ x 10-15’ Full Sun Low Water Use Spring materials as the native revegetative palette, Cassia artemisiodes - Feathery Cassia 6’ x 6’ Full Sun Low Water Use Spring Cassia nemophila - Desert Cassia 6’ x 6’ Full Sun Low Water Use Spring however it adds regionally adapted trees for Chrysothamnus nausseosus - Rabbit Brush 4’ x 4’ Full-Partial Sun Low Water Use Fall diversity in vertical form. Plants are placed in Ephedra viridis - Mormon Tea 3’ x 3’ Full Sun Low Water Use Year Round Eremophila spp. - Valentine (TM) 4’ x 4’ Full Sun Low-Mod Water Use Winter closer proximity to one another in order for Ericamerica larcifolia - Turpentine Bush 2’ x 3’ Full Sun Low Water Use Fall planting to be seen as a mass. Leucophyllum frutescens - Texas Ranger 5’ x 5’ Full Sun Low Water Use Summer Santolina virens - Green Santolina 2’ x 3’ Full Sun Low Water Use Summer Simmondsia chinensis - Jojoba 6’ x 6’ Full Sun Low Water Use Spring Arizona Rosewood 14’ x 10’ Full Sun Moderate Water Use Spring 23.2 General plant selection. Use regionally adapted Vaquelinia californica - and native plant species. In addition to the Cacti, Accents, Grasses, Groundcovers, and Perennials: Berlandiera lyrata - Chocolate Flower 1.5’ x 1.5’ Full-Partial Sun Moderate Water Use Sp/Sum plants listed in the Native Plant Revegetation Datura meteloides - Sacred Datura 3’ x 6’ Full-Partial Sun Moderate Water Use Summer softscape type, the following list of plants Erigeron divergens - Native Fleabane 1.5’ x 1’ Full Sun Low Water Use Summer Euphorbia rigida - Narrow Leaf Spurge 3’ x 4’ Full-Partial Sun Moderate Water Use Win/Sp should be consulted to comprise the Enhanced Ferocactus wislizenii - Fish Hook Barrel 5’ x 2’ Full Sun Low Water Use Summer Gaillardia grandiflora - Blanket Flower 1’ x 1.5’ Full Sun Moderate Water Use Summer Native softscape type. Use these species to Oenothera berlandieri - Mexican Evening 1’ X 3’ Full-Partial Sun Moderate Water Use Sp/Sum create plant communities with variations in Primrose Opuntia microdasys - Polka Dot Cactus 3’ x 3’ Full Sun Low Water Use Summer plant height and width. Ensure the plant palette Psilotrophe cooperi - Paper Flower 1’ x 1.5’ Full-Partial Sun Low-Mod Water Use Sp/Sum/Fall selected for the site complements existing veg- Santolina chamaecyparissus - Lavender Cotton1.5’ x 3’ Full Sun Low Water Use Spring Tetraneuris acaulis - Angelita Daisy 1’ x 1.5’ Full-Partial Sun Moderate Water Use Sp/Sum/Fall etation in the surrounding landscape. Yucca spp. - Yucca 10’ x 6’ Full Sun Low Water Use Summer Additional plants not listed in the adjacent list can be included upon review and approval. Consider sunlight, water, and wind exposure when placing plant material.

23.3 Preserve healthy, mature trees and/or vegetation within the right-of-way. Mature vegetation is an integral part of community life and an important public resource that enhances the quality of life. All previously landscaped areas with ornamental plant materials measuring 4’ above the ground and trees with greater than 3” caliper in good condition, form, and health shall be preserved. All softscape treat- (1) This is an example of Enhanced Native softscape type planting in front of a highway sound wall using the plant palette above.

5.27 1-15 corridor plan Design Guidelines

24.0 REGIONALLY ADAPTED SOFTSCAPE TYPE Recommended Regionally Adapted Plant Palette Height x Width Exposure to Sun Water Requirement Seasonal Interest 24.1 Enhance welcome centers, gateways, and urban species, size and condition of each tree, index Trees: Cercidium Hybrid - Desert Museum Palo Verde 25’ x 25’ Full Sun Low Water Use Spring areas using the Regionally Adapted softscape of trees to be removed and trees to preserve, Cordia boissieri - Texas Olive 10’ x 10’ Full-Partial Sun Low Water Use Summer Fraxinus oxycarpa - Raywood Ash 35’ x 25’ Full Sun Moderate Water Use Spring type. Use Regionally Adapted softscape type and a outline of specifications for tree mainte- Fraxinus velutina ‘Rio Grande’ - Modesto Ash 50’ x 30’ Full Sun Moderate Water Use Spring where identified in each Landscape Design nance during construction. Gleditsia triacanthos inermis - Thornless Honey Locust 35’ x 25’ Full Sun Moderate Water Use n/a Parkinsonia floridum - Blue Palo Verde 20’ x 25’ Full Sun Low Water Use Spring Segment. For this softscape type, the Mojave Pistacia chinensis - Chinese Pistache 40’ x 20’ Full Sun Moderate Water Use Fall Populus spp. - Cottonwood 75’ x 50’ Full Sun Low-Mod Water Use Sp/Fall plant palette and dry land plants from other ***note: plant where ground water access is available Quercus spp. - Oak Tree 40-70’ x 20-50’ Full-Partial Sun Moderate Water Use Sp/Fall regions, such as the Sonoran region, are planted Robinia spp. - Locust 40-50’ x 20-40’ Full Sun Moderate Water Use Sp/Sum Ulmus parvifolia - Drake Elm 60’ x 70’ Full Sun Moderate Water Use Fall in greater densities, forming a layer of over- Vauquelinia californica - Arizona Rosewood 14’ x 10’ Full Sun Moderate Water Use Spring

story and under-story. Plant palettes create a Shrubs: richness of color, seasonal change, texture, and Anisacanthus quadrifidus - Mountain Flame 3’ x 3’ Full-Partial Sun Low Water Use Fall/Sum Buddleia davidii - Navajo Purple Butterfly Bush 8’ x 6’ Full-Partial Sun Low Water Use Spring form to enhance the desert garden. Buddleia marrubifolia - Wooly Butterfly Bush 6’ x 6’ Full-Partial Sun Moderate Water Use Summer Cassia phyllodenia - Silver Leaf Senna 6’ X 6’ Full Sun Low Water Use Spring Chrysactinia mexicana - Damianita 2’ x 2’ Full Sun Low Water Use Summer Convolvulus cneurom - Bush Morning Glory 2’ x 3’ Full Sun Low Water Use Sp/Fall 24.2 General plant selection. Use regionally adapted Dalea spp. - Dalea 4’ x 5’ Full Sun Low Water Use Fall Dodonea viscosa - Hopbush 10’ x 6’ Full Sun Low Water Use Year Round plant species. In addition to the plants listed in Justicia candicans - Red Justicia 3’ x 3’ Full-Partial Sun Moderate Water Use Summer Leucophyllum spp. - Texas Ranger 4’ x 4’ Full Sun Low Water Use Summer the Native Plant Revegetation softscape type Rhus ovata - Sugar Bush 10’ x 10’ Full-Partial Sun Low Water Use Spring Salvia clevelandii - Chaparral Sage 4’ x 6’ Full Sun Low Water Use Spring and the Enhanced Native softscape type, refer Tecoma x Goldstar - Texas Yellow Star 20’ x 8’ Full Sun Moderate Water Use Summer to the following list of plants to comprise the Cacti, Accents, Grasses, Groundcovers, and Perennials: Regionally Adapted softscape type. Use plant Agave weberi - Weber’s Century Plant 3’ x 2’ Full-Partial Sun Low Water Use Summer Artemisia frigida - Wormwood 1’ x 1’ Full Sun Low Water Use Spring species to create plant communities with varia- Convolvulus mauritanicus - Ground Morning Glory 1’ x 3’ Full-Partial Sun Low Water Use Sp/Sum Coreopsis lanceolata - Sunray 1.5’ x 1’ Full Sun Moderate Water Use Sp/Sum tions in plant height and spread. Additional Hemerocallis spp. - Daylily 2’ x 2’ Full-Partial Sun Low Water Use Spring (1) The Agave spp. is a plant representative of the Lantana spp. - Lantana 4’ x 4’ Full Sun Moderate Water Use Summer plants not listed may be included upon review Regionally Adapted softscape type Muhlenbergia rigens - Deer Grass 3’ x 4’ Full Sun Low Water Use Summer Nolina erumpens - Beargrass 4’ x 6’ Full Sun Low Water Use Spring and approval. Consider sunlight, water, and Penstemon spp. - Penstemon 3’ x 2’ Full Sun Low Water Use Spring wind exposure when placing plant material. Salvia leucantha - Mexican Bush Sage 3’ x 3’ Full-Partial Sun Moderate Water Use Sp/Fall/Win Tulbaghia violacea - Society Garlic 3’ x 3’ Full Sun Low Water Use Sp/Sum

24.3 Preserve healthy, mature trees and/or vegetation within the right-of-way. Mature vegetation is an integral part of community life and an important public resource that enhances the quality of life. All previously landscaped areas with ornamental plant materials measuring 4’ above the ground and trees with greater than 3” caliper in good condition, form, and health shall be preserved. All softscape treatment projects should be initiated by a tree inventory plan listing all protected trees and other landscape materials within the right-of-way which includes: a listing of (1) This is an example of Regionally Adapted softscape type planting at the embankment of a highway bridge using the plant list above.

5.28 1-15 corridor plan Design Guidelines

25.0 REGIONAL ORNAMENTAL SOFTSCAPE TYPE Recommended Regional Ornamental Plant Palette Height x Width Exposure to Sun Water Requirement Seasonal Interest Trees: 25.1 Use the Regional Ornamental softscape to areas with ornamental plant materials measur- Gleditsia triacanthos inermis - Thornless Honey 28’ x 16’ Full Sun Moderate Water Use Summer Locust create cultural meaning and/or a landmark ing 4’ above the ground and trees with greater Koelreuteria paniculata - Goldenrain Tree 35 x 40’ Full-Partial Sun Mod-High Water Use Summer Olea europaea ‘Swan Hill’ - Olive Tree 30’ x 30’ Full Sun Moderate Water Use Summer feature. The Regional Ornamental softscape than 3” caliper in good condition, form, and Pinus eldarica - Mondel Pine 50’ x 30’ Full Sun Moderate Water Use Fall Pinus halepensis - Aleppo Pine 60’ x 40’ Full Sun Moderate Water Use Fall type should be used where identified on the health shall be preserved. All softscape treat- Pinus pinea - Italian Stone Pine 80’ x 40’ Full Sun Moderate Water Use Year Round Pinus roxburghii - Chir Pine 80’ x 40’ Full Sun Moderate Water Use Fall Landscape Design Segments. This softscape ment projects shall be initiated by a tree Pistacia chinensis - Chinese Pistache 40’ x 20’ Full Sun Moderate Water Use Fall type is meant to emphasize the unique cultural inventory plan listing all protected trees and Sophora secudiflora - Mescal Bean 15’ x 10’ Full Sun Moderate Water Use Spring Palms: elements of these particular urban environ- other landscape materials within the right-of- Brahea armata - Mexican Blue Palm 30’ x 15’ Full Sun Low Water Use Year Round Butia capitata - Pindo Palm 20’ x 15’ Full Sun Low Water Use Year Round ments. The use of non-native, ornamental plant way which includes: a listing of species, size and Chamaerops humilis - Mediterranean Fan Palm 20’ x 20’ Full Sun Low-Mod Water Use Summer Cycas revoluta (not a true palm) - Sago Palm 5’ x 8’ Full-Partial Sun Mod-High Use Year Round species in this softscape type accentuates the condition of each tree, index of trees to be Phoenix canariensis - Canary Date Palm 40’ x 40’ Full Sun Moderate Water Use Summer Phoenix dactylifera - Date Palm 50’ x 25’ Full Sun Moderate Water Use Year Round composition possibilities inherent in form and removed and trees to preserve, and an outline Trachycarpus fortunei - Windmill Palm 20’ x 20’ Full-Partial Sun Moderate Water Use Year Round Washingtonia filifera - California Fan Palm 50’ x 15’ Full Sun Low-Mod Water Use Summer color. Dynamic ornamental forms, colors, and of specifications for tree maintenance during Washingtonia robusta - Mexican Fan Palm 80’ x 10’ Full Sun Low-Mod Water Use Summer Shrubs: textures enhance the native Mojave landscape construction. Acacia redonlens ‘Desert Carpet’ - Prostrate Acacia 5’ x 10’ Full Sun Low Water Use Late Winter Caesalpinia mexicana - Mexican Bird of Paradise 10’ x 6’ Full Sun Moderate Water Use Summer in complimentary patterns. Calliandra eriophylla - Fairy Duster 4’ x 4’ Full-Partial Sun Low Water Use Sp/Sum/Fall Cotoneaster congestus - Rockspray 2’ x 6’ Full-Partial Sun Low-Mod Water Use Spring Cotoneaster x Lowfast - 2’ x 10’ Full-Partial Sun Moderate Water Use Spring Eleagnus x Ebbingei - Ebbing’s Silverberry 9’ x 9’ Full Sun Moderate Water Use Summer 25.2 General plant selection. Use regional ornamen- Lagerstromia indica - Crape Myrtle 20’ x 12’ Full-Partial Sun Moderate Water Use Summer Rosmarinus officialnus ‘Huntington Carpet’ - 2’ x 8’ Full Sun Low Water Use Sp/Sum tal plant species. In addition to the plants listed Spreading Rosemary Rosmarinus officialnus ‘Tuscan Blue’ - 6’ x 4’ Full Sun Low Water Use Sp/Sum in the Native Plant Revegetation softscape type, Upright Rosemary the Enhanced Native softscape type, and the Accents Cacti and Grasses: Agave weberi - Weber’s Century Plant 3’ x 2’ Full-Partial Sun Low Water Use Summer Regionally Adapted softscape type, refer to the Dasylirion acrotriche - Green Desert Spoon 4’ x 6’ Full Sun Low Water Use Sum/Fall Dasylirion wheeleri - Grey Desert Spoon 4’ x 6’ Full Sun Low Water Use Sum/Fall following list of plants to comprise the Regional Drosanthemum hispidum - Ice Plant 2’ x 3’ Full Sun Low-Mod Water Use Spring Echinocactus grusonii - Golden Barrel 2’ x 3’ Full-Partial Sun Low Water Use Spring Euphorbia charachias - Shrubby Spruge 3’ x 2’ Full-Partial Sun Moderate Water Use Win/Sp Ornamental softscape type. For installation of Fouqueria splendens - Ocotillo 18’ x 10’ Full Sun Low Water Use Spring Hesperaloe spp. - Yucca 4’ x 4’ Full Sun Low Water Use Sp/Sum/Fall containerized plant stock, use one-gallon con- Muhlenbergia capillaris - Regal Mist 3’ x 6’ Full-Partial Sun Moderate Water Use Spring Opuntia santa-rita - Purple Prickly-Pear 2’ x 3’ Full Sun Low Water Use Spring tainer size for groundcovers and perennials, a Phormium tenax - New Zealand Flax 15’ x 4’ Partial Sun Low-Mod Water Use Sp/Sum minimum five-gallon container for all shrubs and cacti, a minimum 24 inch box for trees, and a minimum 20 foot brown trunk height for palms. Additional plants not listed in the plant palette may be included upon review and approval by NDOT. Consider sunlight, water, and wind exposure when placing plant material.

25.3 Preserve healthy, mature trees and/or vegetation within the right-of-way. Mature vegetation is an integral part of community life and an important public resource that enhances the quality of life. All previously landscaped (1) This is an example of Regional Ornamental softscape type planting at the embankment of a highway bridge using the same plants listed in the plant palette above. This type of softscape is limited to the Las Vegas “Flamboyant Resort Corridor.”

5.29 1-15 corridor plan Design Guidelines 26.0 WILDLIFE CROSSINGS AND PROTECTION

26.1 Engage appropriate agencies in planning and 26.2 Observation points and opportunities to designing wildlife crossings. Engage federal, observe animal movement may be possible in state, and local agencies, and wildlife profes- the design of crossings. Provide appropriate sionals in the initial stages of planning and viewing areas where possible. design through implementation of wildlife crossings. Incorporate wildlife professionals Image courtesy of Tony Clevenger as members of the design team in all non- urban areas.

(1) This is an example of a wildlife undercrossing.

27.0 CONSTRUCTION PRACTICES

27.1 Clear the site only within the limits of con- responsible for its construction. Involve con- into structural earthwork design through on the site. Salvaged plant materials shall be struction. Ensure the project site is cleared struction personnel early on in the design stage terracing, flattening slopes, stone and stored and maintained during the period only within the limits of construction to through to the development of final specifi- durable synthetic blankets, retaining walls, prior to planting. Stripped topsoil in excess avoid excessive site disturbance. cations. Maintain effective communication rip-rap, and/or native revegetation. Maintain of the quantity required for the project with construction personnel through the compliance with necessary permits through- should be stored at specified locations. 27.2 Protect important environmental, landscape construction process. out construction. Topsoil of lesser quality can be blended with and cultural features. Ensure trees, shrubs, soil amendments to improve condition for landscape and cultural features, and environ- 27.4 Ensure erosion and sedimentation is con- 27.5 Carefully manage and dispose of waste mate- final bedding. mentally sensitive areas to be preserved are trolled during construction. Ensure rial. Avoid disposing of milled asphalt by identified and protected during construc- sediments are controlled through the timely placing it as a cover on highway shoulders. 27.7 Carefully consider location/reclamation of tion. In areas where vegetation is to remain, control of soil erosion. Consider site speci- This can inhibit revegetation on slopes and construction areas. Construction staging avoid disturbance and compaction of the ficity, timing of execution, and application of create a cluttered, unfinished appearance to areas, borrow pits, and other construction ground. Maintain and enhance existing man-made devices and/or vegetative cover the corridor. areas must be carefully located and returned groundcover to ensure the area is left in a to stabilize banks during construction. to a condition as good or better than origi- condition consistent with the surroundings. Consider alternatives to hard surface paving. 27.6 Salvage and store topsoil and native plant nal, and consistent with the Corridor Plan Give preference to other sediment control materials. After soil erosion and sediment design guidelines. 27.3 Coordinate with construction personnel when devices including sediment basins, diversion control measures have been implemented planning and designing projects. berms, vegetative buffer areas, channel and before grading work begins, remove and Implementation of project design requires linings, energy dissipators, seeding, and store topsoil for project reuse. Salvage areas close cooperation with the personnel directly mulching. Build permanent erosion controls should be designated on plans and laid out

5.30 1-15 corridor plan Design Guidelines 28.0 MAINTENANCE PRACTICES

28.1 Consult Best Management Practices and should use the same color palette for all main- provide for efficient and effective mainte- tenance and repairs (refer to Color Palette nance. Design new projects that are low guideline, page 5.9, for more information). maintenance. Provide areas where maintenance equipment can be conveniently 28.3 Locate and screen maintenance staging areas located. Consider maintenance routines appropriately. Maintenance staging areas required for the design program, and identify need to be adequately set back from the areas that may need additional care or atten- highway, situated at or near an interchange, tion initially and/or as the project matures. located to be visually unobtrusive from the NDOT maintenance practices include: highway, and safe for ingress and egress by • Trash and debris removal maintenance workers. Drainage is an impor- • Surface finish maintenance (painting, patch- tant aspect in the design and location of a ing, graffiti removal) maintenance area in order to prevent any • Grading, and earthwork environmental damage that results from • Ground treatment (raking, replacing mulch leachates in salt and gravel stockpiles. Salt and or decorative rock, reconfiguring drainage sand piles should be covered to avoid water- structures) course and groundwater degradation • Weed control according to the NDOT Best Management • Plantings (interim, temporary, and perma- Practices Manual. Provide space for equip- nent irrigation, trimming, pruning of shrubs ment storage, vehicles, and supplies as well as and trees, manual weed control, fertilizing) employee or visitor parking. Consider, future • Disease and pest management (including expansion needs. Architectural or landscape invasive species control) architectural screening of maintenance areas, • Repair and replacement of structural and particularly stockpiles and equipment, should electrical components, irrigation, signage, be provided if a maintenance area is visible and lighting from the highway or from adjacent developed property. Security fencing may be appropriate 28.2 Create a visual design unity among all exist- in some locations. ing and new structures. Ensure a visual design relationship exists among all highway struc- 28.4 Coordinate with personnel when planning and tures. This includes coordinating materials, designing maintenance areas. Planning and patterns, and color. Ensure structures can be design of maintenance area requires close readily patched or painted with matching cooperation between designers and the per- colors. When paint or stain repair is made, sonnel directly responsible for its use. complete repairs, joints, or logical edge point. Use anti-graffitti treatment on all accessible structures. District level maintenance teams

5.31 1-15 corridor plan Design Guidelines 29.0 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE HIGHWAY ENVIRONMENTS

29.1 Sustainable development is defined as achieving 29.3 Techniques for creating sustainable highway stability of both physical and social systems by environments. meeting the needs of current generations • Develop systems that encourage sustainable without compromising the ability of future gen- highways. Develop performance standards, mon- erations to meet their needs. Sustainable design itoring procedures, and promote coordination is a holistic philosophy that includes all aspects of between environmental and transportation function and construction operations, including agencies. but not limited to: energy use, air quality, materi- • Preserve air quality. Use construction mitigation al selection, energy generation, water techniques to minimize dust from construction conservation, heat and solid waste, habitat sites. enhancement, and protection. In this document, • Minimize energy consumption and incorporate the focus is on sustainability for design and con- alternative energy sources. Where possible use struction of the elements that comprise the solar powered electronic signs, low energy use physical highway system. Restoration of dis- lights (such as LED), and passive solar design. turbed man-made and natural habitat is an • Use recycled materials for construction. When important component in achieving a sustainable applicable use reclaimed concrete and asphalt, highway related landscape. scrap tires, plastics, steel slag, roofing shingles, coal fly ash, and composted municipal organic 29.2 Three key principles in highway construction and wastes. (1) Solar power provides a sus- (2) Wind power generates a clean renew- tainable, renewable energy in able energy source. natural resource management include Avoid, • Reduce waste. Waste reduction concepts remote locations. Minimize, and Mitigate. Concepts central to include right-of-way management, reuse of these principles include: organic materials, water conservation, and selec- • Water conservation: efficiency, protection and tion of long-lived materials. reuse. • Construction materials selection: reduce, reuse and recycle. • Air quality protection. • Energy efficiency: use renewable energy. • Design innovation.

(3) Materials like this recycled (4) Existing condition of asphalt millings plastic modular unit can be being placed along the shoulder should used in roadway construction. be reused in repaving projects.

5.32 1-15 corridor plan Guidelines and Cost Analysis

OVERVIEW oped for the interchanges at Blue Diamond Road and The following is a summary description of the com- Sahara Avenue. Overall cost estimates for each level ponents contained within an NDOT standard project To understand the cost implications of the improve- of treatment were created from these and compared that are not generally considered landscape and aes- ments proposed by this Corridor Plan, estimates on a to the costs from actual projects for verification. thetic elements: cost per square foot (SF) and per acre basis have been The project area was then incorporated into the esti- prepared. At the planning budget level, these values mate to create a per square foot and per acre cost. ROADWAY SERVICE AREAS can be applied over the Landscape Design Segments • Service area program as defined inclusive of des- to produce planning level cost for the right-of-way Prototypes were also created for the sections of ignated services sections and individual interchange improvements. highway right-of-way that exhibit the various types These estimates will inform NDOT in the decision- of treatment. A similar process was applied to these NON-MOTORIZED TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS making process and help influence budget areas to create a per square foot and per acre cost for • Maintain existing sidewalk dimension of inter- allocations for the landscape and aesthetics highway each hardscape and softscape type. secting road across bridge overpass improvements. • Maintain existing bike lane dimension of inter- APPLICATION OF DESIGN GUIDELINES secting road across bridge overpass PROCESS • New bicycle paths and walkways that are part of The Design Guidelines included in this report an approved transportation plan Costs for individual hardscape and softscape treat- describe the elements that compose a typical ments, such as concrete form liner imprints, highway interchange and right-of-way section. They BRIDGE STRUCTURE retaining walls, and landscape irrigation, were gath- also describe a base level of landscape and aesthetic • Steel and concrete I-girders or steel and concrete ered from several sources, including NDOT, local quality that is used to predict costs. The intent of box girder engineering and landscape architecture firms, con- this section is to develop a definition of what is con- • Cast in place concrete with variable vertical ribbed tractors, and product manufacturers. This sidered as a “standard” treatment. The next step design information was analyzed and compiled into a data- following adoption of the Corridor Plan is for NDOT • Two color palette - base color with one accent base that could be applied to several prototypical to initiate internal review to determine implementa- color examples of landscape and aesthetic treatment tion strategies. This review will include cost • Concrete barrier rail with acrylic stain base color levels. The softscape and hardscape costs presented evaluation, priorities and scheduling, and visual pref- application or steel rail with finish here represent the capital costs of construction and erence evaluations to test each standard proposed • Bridge/road name identification signs do not include extended maintenance costs. The by this section. • Apply a long-term, non-sacrificial anti-graffiti treatments correlate to those presented in the treatment coating to all appropriate structures as NDOT Landscape and Aesthetics Master Plan. A sepa- Funding for the landscape and aesthetics portion of needed rate report prepared by UNLV, entitled Maintenance a project will generally not be used to cover the ordi- • Pedestrian access across bridges Cost Study for Corridor Planning, examines long-term nary construction costs. The landscape and maintenance costs such as grafitti removal, plant aesthetics budget is available for softscape and hard- care, and irrigation. scape treatments that exceed the ordinary construction costs. Prototypical designs for each of the five softscape types and four hardscape treatments were devel-

6.1 1-15 corridor plan Guidelines and Cost Analysis

RETAINING WALLS • Fencing required to control access, grading, and • Respreading of stockpiled topsoil and native plant • Cast-in-place or pre-cast concrete with variable drainage fragments to minimum 6” depth (ammend topsoil vertical ribbed design when necessary) • Acrylic stain base color application GRADING • Application of native plant revegetation seed mix • Apply a long-term, non-sacrificial anti-graffiti • Steepest desired slope of 3H:1V in combination with scattered rock mulch treatment coating to all appropriate structures as • Rounded slopes that blend into existing grade • Supplemental irrigation to establish plantings needed • See Project Design Development Manual (PDDM) when necessary (two year minimum maintenance 2.2.4.2 side slopes contract) SOUND WALLS • Provide invasive and noxious weed control (two • Cast-in-place or pre-cast concrete with variable ROCK CUTS year minimum maintenance contract) vertical ribbed design • Rock cuts appear natural in form and blend with • Acrylic stain base color application existing landforms CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES • Apply a long-term, non-sacrificial anti-graffiti • Staining of rock cut to provide weathered finish • Dust control practices treatment coating to all appropriate structures as • Rock fall protection structures if necessary • Construction fencing to preserve sensitive areas needed • Traffic control and project site security • Variation in sound wall geometry, material, color, DRAINAGE • Maintenance period to ensure establishment of texture, and pattern to eliminate monotonous • Basic channel conveyance, culverts, and drainage native revegetation linear stretches of wall structures • Development of a native revegetation general • Erosion resistant channels maintenance program CONCRETE BARRIER • Water quality basins • Cast-in-place concrete barrier • Man-made or constructed wetlands fulfilling miti- PROJECT COMPONENTS REQUIRED FOR COMPLIANCE • Acrylic stain base color application gation requirements • All practices must be in compliance with applica- • Apply a long-term, non-sacrificial anti-graffiti ble Federal and State regulations treatment coating to all appropriate structures as EROSION CONTROL needed • Temporary erosion control provided during construction GUARD RAIL • Permanent erosion control • Galvanized steel triple corrugated guard rail • Temporary and permanent erosion control best management practices FENCING • Chain link fencing with color application - vinyl NATIVE REVEGETATION FOR ALL DISTURBED PORTIONS OF clad or painted finish with steel post supports HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION where required (selected urban areas) • Salvage and storage of topsoil (6” horizon • Multi-strand wire fencing with painted steel post minimum) with native plant fragments supports at right-of-way limits (rural areas)

6.2 1-15 corridor plan Guidelines and Cost Analysis

COST ANALYSIS nary construction costs. The Regional Ornamental Focal: $170 - $185 sf Softscape Treatments treatment exhibits the widest range of costs due to $2,040,000 - $2,220,000 Using the process described on page 6.1, planning the highly customized nature of this type. L & A Cost $60 - $75 sf level construction cost estimates for the different $720,000 - $900,000 softscape treatments were determined in 2004 To place the estimates in the context of a highway Landmark: $210 - $250 sf dollars. They are as follows: corridor, an estimate was calculated for a one-mile $2,520,000 - $3,000,000 section of road. A typical section of highway right- L & A Cost $100 - $140 sf Softscape Type Cost Estimate (sf & acre) of-way that is 240’ wide with two 40’ wide paved $1,200,000 - $1,680,000 Ground Treatment / Native Revegetation: areas for travel lanes was used to determine this $1.15 - $1.35 sf value (Figures 1-4, page 6.4). The approximate Again, the overall construction cost is listed as well $50,000 - $59,000 acre softscape costs to develop one mile of corridor right- as the cost specific to landscape and aesthetics L & A Cost $0.00 sf of-way at each treatment level were calculated to be: enhancements. Similar to the Regional Ornamental $0.00 acre softscape, the Landmark level contains many custom Softscape Type Cost Estimate (1 mile) elements and the widest range of potential cost. Enhanced Native: $1.40 - $1.60 sf Ground Treatment / Native Revegetation: $61,000 - $70,000 acre ~ $800,000 A typical interchange encompasses an area of about L & A Cost $0.25 - $0.45 sf L & A Cost ~ $0.00 6.5 acres including on/off ramps and infield land- $11,000 - $20,000 acre scape areas (Figures 5-8, page 6.5). To develop an Enhanced Native: ~ $950,000 estimate for an interchange, the softscape data was Regionally Adapted: $2.25 - $2.75 sf L & A Cost ~ $150,000 applied to the infield areas and added to the cost of $98,000 - $120,000 acre the bridge deck. Likely softscape and hardscape L & A Cost $1.10 - $1.60 sf Regionally Adapted: ~ $1,600,000 treatment combinations were used to create the fol- $48,000 - $70,000 acre L & A Cost ~ $800,000 lowing interchange estimates:

Regional Ornamental: $3.50 - $6.00 sf Regional Ornamental: ~ $2,250,000 - $3,800,000 Type Cost Estimate (total) $152,000 - $262,000 acre L & A Cost ~ $1,450,000 - $3,000,000 Ground Treatment / Native Revegetation & L & A Cost $2.35 - $4.85 sf Standard: ~ $1,700,000 $102,000 - $212,000 acre Structures and Hardscape Treatments L & A Cost ~ $0.00 The construction of the bridge at an interchange The cost for Ground Treatment/Native Revegetation composes the majority of hardscape costs. For the Enhanced Native & Accentuated: is covered under the general construction costs as purposes of cost estimation, a 12,000 square foot (60’ ~ $2,000,000 part of the project. The data shown for the different x 200’) bridge was assumed. The estimate for the L & A Cost ~ $300,000 treatment levels represents a total cost. The L & A various hardscape levels is: Cost is the portion of the total cost that is above the Regionally Adapted & Focal: ordinary construction costs and would be paid for Hardscape Type Cost Estimate (sf & total) ~ $2,750,000 Cost information presented here is provid- through the Landscape and Aesthetics budget. Standard: $110 - $115 sf L & A Cost ~ $1,050,000 ed for the purpose of long range planning $1,320,000 - $1,380,000 and budgeting. It is not intended to sub- For example, a Regionally Adapted softscape costs L & A Cost $0.00 sf Regional Ornamental & Landmark: stitute for a project-level detailed cost about $1.10 sf more than the standard Ground $0.00 total ~ $4,000,000 projection. Treatment / Native Revegetation level of treatment, L & A Cost ~ $2,300,000 for a total cost of $2.25 sf ($1.15 + $1.10 = $2.25). The Accentuated: $125 - $135 sf additional $1.10 sf would be funded through the L & $1,500,000 - $1,620,000 A budget because it is above and beyond the ordi- L & A Cost $15 - $25 sf $180,000 - $300,000

6.3 1-15 corridor plan Guidelines and Cost Analysis

Figure 1 Figure 2

Structures and Hardscape Type - Standard Structures and Hardscape Type - Accentuated Softscape Type - Ground Treatment / Native Revegetation Softscape Type - Enhanced Native

Wire Right-of-Way Fence Wire Right-of-Way Fence 40’ Landscape Area varies Clear Zone Shrub Planting 40’ Travel Lane 40’ Landscape Area Decomposed Granite Mulch Revegetation with 40’ Travel Lane Scattered Rock varies Clear Zone Decomposed Granite Mulch 40’ Landscape Area Revegetation with River Cobble 120’ Total Landscape Area Width Scattered Rock

Total Cost: $50,000 - $59,000 acre of ROW area L & A Cost: $0.00 acre Total Cost: $61,000 - $70,000 acre of ROW area L & A Cost: $11,000 - $20,000 acre

Figure 3 Figure 4

Structures and Hardscape Type - Focal Structures and Hardscape Type - Landmark Softscape Type - Regionally Adapted Softscape Type - Regional Ornamental

Wire Right-of-Way Fence

Wire Right-of-Way Fence Landscape Boulders Tree Planting Decomposed Granite Mulch Decomposed Granite Mulch Revegetation with Scattered Rock Revegetation Shrub Planting Tree Planting Landscape Boulders Shrub Planting River Cobble River Cobble

Total Cost: $98,000 - $120,000 acre of ROW area L & A Cost: $48,000 - $70,000 acre Total Cost: $152,000 - $262,000 acre of ROW area L & A Cost: $102,000 - $212,000 acre

6.4 1-15 corridor plan Guidelines and Cost Analysis

Figure 5 Figure 6 Structures and Hardscape Type - Standard Structures and Hardscape Type - Accentuated Softscape Type - Ground Treatment / Native Revegetation Softscape Type - Enhanced Native

Guardrail

Tree Guardrail

5’ Concrete Walkway Bridge with Aesthetic Treatment

Bridge with Aesthetic Treatment Pedestrian/Bikeway Rock Mulch Rock Mulch Revegetation with Revegetation with Scattered Rock Scattered Rock Groundcover/Shrubs

Total Cost: $1,700,000 (infield landscape and bridge deck) L & A Cost: $0.00 Total Cost: $2,000,000 (infield landscape and bridge deck) L & A Cost: $300,000

Figure 7 Figure 8 Structures and Hardscape Type - Focal Structures and Hardscape Type - Landmark Softscape Type - Regionally Adapted Softscape Type - Regional Ornamental

Retaining Wall

Guardrail Guardrail Landscape Light Retaining Wall Tree Groundcover/Shrubs Pedestrian/Bikeway Pedestrian/Bikeway Bridge with Aesthetic Treatment Bridge with Aesthetic Treatment Tree Accent Tree Rock Mulch Revegetation with Rock Mulch Scattered Rock Landscape Light

Groundcover/Shrubs

Total Cost: $2,750,000 (infield landscape and bridge deck) L & A Cost: $1,050,000 Total Cost: $4,000,000 (infield landscape and bridge deck) L & A Cost: $2,300,000

6.5 1-15 corridor plan Guidelines and Cost Analysis

The diagram below shows how the cost estimate information can be used to determine a planning level estimate of the landscape and aesthetics costs for this hypothetical seven mile section of highway corridor. The costs shown are for landscape and aesthetic enhancements that are above the ordinary project construction costs.

6.6 1-15 corridor plan Guidelines and Cost Analysis

MAINTENANCE COSTS Figure 9

The Corridor Plan identifies the level of landscape and aesthetic treatment, and consequently, the maintenance investment. Therefore, it is important that maintenance cost data be incorporated in the Corridor Plan. Furthermore, local public agencies and others will be interested in maintenance expenses to help them fully understand the long- term maintenance implications of retrofit projects.

In collaboration with the Corridor Plan, long-term maintenance costs have been researched by UNLV and compiled as the Maintenance Cost Study for Figure 10 Corridor Planning. Figure 9 diagrams how total life cycle maintenance costs were developed for the different landscape and aesthetic treatments. Figure 10 shows the maintenance costs that were determined for the various combinations of softscape and hardscape types.

Current estimates exhibit relatively wide variations in cost due to the limited amount of data available, however further research and tracking of projects will result in more clearly defined maintenance cost estimates.

6.7 1-15 corridor plan Guidelines and Cost Analysis

PROJECT FUNDING

Funding for the implementation of the projects that are included in the corridor may occur through several programs. Funding for new landscape and aesthetics projects associated with the state's highway program could come from both state and federal sources. Up to 3% of the total project construction cost may be allocated for landscape and aesthetics improvements.

When a landscape and aesthetics project can significantly influence an adjacent community or area, the community may choose to get involved in the process and participate in a matching funds program. This program assists in the funding of projects initiated independent of the statewide capital plan and annually funds specific projects based on applications received from local public agencies. Additionally, communities and developers can implement enhanced levels of landscape and aesthetics through long-term capital and maintenance cost sharing agreements with NDOT.

The landscape and aesthetics project funds may be banked to allow for better project distribution of capital funds. This would provide the mechanism for NDOT to shift landscape and aesthetics money to areas that have been identified to receive enhanced levels of treatment. The capacity to allocate funds will allow NDOT to broadly manage the landscape and aesthetics budget on a corridor-wide basis.

6.8 1-15 corridor plan Priority Projects

OVERVIEW A dominant feature of the Dynamic Desert Metropolis landscape design segment is the I-215 This section describes levels of priority for projects section. Improvements to enhance the appearance within the Landscape Design Segments. First priori- of the right-of-way are designed as a medium priority was given to sections of road with a high degree ty due to various ownership constraints. of visibility or identity, areas that can contribute significant quality immediately, and projects that are The priority levels are based on current capital currently in progress. Second priority applies to proj- improvements and landscape and aesthetics plan- ects that will provide additional benefits and ning. They are intended to act as a guide and aesthetics as part of the longer range plan. Third pri- represent those projects that the Corridor Plan rec- ority was given to areas that currently display a ommends as having the greatest potential impact on reasonable level of aesthetic quality, and upon the aesthetics of the entire corridor. enhancement, will complete the Landscape and Aesthetics Program for that particular Landscape The priorities identified in this chapter are subject to Design Segment. change according to the availability of funds for the individual project improvements. Capital projects It is important to note that corridor-wide roadside are significantly influenced by the availability of trash clean-up has been identified as the top priority funding. for all three Landscape Design Segments. A color retrofit for all existing structures and hardscape elements is recommended as the first priority after the trash clean-up. These two activities have been selected because of the immediate and significant impact they will have on the overall aesthetics of the entire I-15 corridor.

7.1 1-15 corridor plan MAP 1C I-15: PRIMM TO SLOAN - PRIORITY PROJECTS GATEWAY TO NEVADA’S EXCITEMENT LANDSCAPE DESIGN SEGMENT 7.2 1-15 corridor plan MAP LAS VEGAS METROPOLITAN AREA - PRIORITY PROJECTS 2C DYNAMIC DESERT METROPOLIS LANDSCAPE DESIGN SEGMENT 7.3 1-15 corridor plan MAP 3C I-15: SPEEDWAY TO MESQUITE - PRIORITY PROJECTS MOJAVE HIGH DESERT LANDSCAPE DESIGN SEGMENT 7.4 1-15 corridor plan Conclusion

CONCLUSION The I-15 Landscape and Aesthetics Corridor Plan is a public/private partnership initiative. The Plan pro- The I-15 Landscape and Aesthetics Corridor Plan repre- vides a foundation for this unique initiative to build a Highways can be perceived as edges or sents a significant step in Nevada’s renewed comprehensive vision for the landscape and aesthet- boundaries that separate city or land- commitment to landscape and aesthetics as integral ics of the I-15 corridor. The partnership policy scape. Interchanges are seen as elements of the state’s highways. This document is outlined in the NDOT Landscape and Aesthetics intersections, nodes, and gateways. designed to guide decisions and policies that will Master Plan, clearly states the unique and exciting These perceptions argue strongly for a affect the aesthetic quality of Nevada’s highways on result of this process. design approach that recognizes cul- a corridor-wide basis down to the individual project tural boundaries and deals with the level. It presents extensive research and analysis on landscape and aesthetic design of the the existing conditions of Nevada, its highway corri- highway as a corridor segment, rather dors, and its scenic natural landscapes. The Corridor than on an individual project basis. Plan describes the composition of elements and programs that will be used to enhance the level of landscape and aesthetics across the state. Perhaps most importantly, the Corridor Plan sets the stage for discussion of: • Implementation strategies • Cost evaluation / strategies • Priorities and scheduling • Visual preference evaluation

To accomplish an increased level of landscape and aesthetics for Nevada’s highways, the Corridor Plan has detailed a new NDOT standard level of treatment for capital projects. The new standard will raise the basic level of aesthetics on all future projects significantly.

8.1

1-15 corridor plan Technical Appendix - Vegetation Remediation

A.1 1-15 corridor plan Technical Appendix - Vegetation Remediation

A.2 1-15 corridor plan Technical Appendix - Vegetation Remediation

A.3 1-15 corridor plan Technical Appendix - Vegetation Remediation

SAMPLE SPECIFICATIONS

one specific site

additives.

A.4 1-15 corridor plan Technical Appendix - Vegetation Remediation

A.5 1-15 corridor plan Technical Appendix - Vegetation Remediation

A.6 1-15 corridor plan Technical Appendix - Vegetation Remediation

A.7 1-15 corridor plan Technical Appendix - Vegetation Remediation

A.8 1-15 corridor plan Technical Appendix - Vegetation Remediation

A.9 1-15 corridor plan Technical Appendix - Vegetation Remediation

A.10 1-15 corridor plan References

REFERENCES City of North Las Vegas. 2004. North Las Vegas State of the City Address. North Las Vegas, NV. AASHTO. An Informational Guide for Roadway Lighting. Clark County, Nevada. 2004. http://www.co.clark.nv.us/comprehensive_plan- AASHTO. 1991. A Guide for Transportation Landscape and Environmental Design. ning/comprehensiveplanning.htm

AASHTO. 2001. A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets, 4th Clark County Code, Chapter 30. Edition. Climate of Nevada, www.wrcc.dri.edu/narratives/NEVADA.htm. AASHTO. 2001. Standard Specifications for Structural Supports for Highway Signs, Luminaries, and Traffic Signals, 4th Edition. Cox, Dr. David M. and Mills, Linn. Drip Irrigation Systems. University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Fact Sheet 91-53. AASHTO. 2002. Roadside Design Guide. Critter Crossings. U.S. Department of Transportation. Federal Highway Blair, Jerry, 2004. "Checkerboard Shuffle: Nevada's largest landowner plans sale to Administration. www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/wildlifecrossing/main.htm BLM." Elko Daily Free Press, April 5, 2004. DeLorme. 2003. Nevada Atlas & Gazetteer. Delorme. Yarmouth, ME. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), 2000. Public Land Statistics. As cited in "Federal Land Ownership in Nevada Counties", Nevada State Library and Archives. Design Workshop. 2002. Infill Development Plan for the Southern Nevada http://dmla.clan.lib.nv.us/docs/nsla/sdc/federal-stat.htm. Regional Planning Coalition. Prepared by Design Workshop for the South Nevada Regional Planning Coalition. Las Vegas, NV. Brinton, William D. and Rogers, Towers, Bailey, Jones, and Gay, P.A. 2001. "Billboard Legislation and the Takings Issue". Georgetown University Law Center Ellen, Mary and Al Glass. 1983. Touring Nevada: A Historic and Scenic Guide. Continuing Legal Education. Jacksonville, Florida. Accessed August 27, 2004 at University of Nevada Press. Reno, NV. http://www.scenic florida.org/bblegistakings.html. Fischer, Richard A. Using Soil Amendments to Improve Riparian Plant Survival in Carlson, Helen S. 1974. Nevada Place Names - A Geographical Dictionary. Arid and Semi-arid Landscapes. ERDC TN-EMRRP-SR-44. University of Nevada Press. Reno, NV Forman, Richard T.T., et al. 2003. Road Ecology: Science and Solutions. Island Castleman, Deke. 2000. Nevada. Fodor's Travel Publications. Compass America Press, Washington, Covelo, London. Guides, Inc. Oakland, CA. GLS Research. 2002. Las Vegas Visitor Profile - Fiscal Year 2002 Annual Report City of Henderson Development Code, Section 19.10.3, Off-Premises Signs. prepared for Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority found at http://www.lvcva.com/. City of Las Vegas Zoning Code, Chapter 19.14 Sign Standards, July 22, 2002. GLS Research. 2002 Mesquite Visitor Profile - Fiscal Year 2002 Annual Report pre- City of North Las Vegas Zoning Code, Title 17. pared for Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority found at http://www.lvcva.com/. City of Sparks. 2002. The City of Sparks Master Plan. Updated December 2002. JKA Group. 2002. Human Geographic Boundaries of the Western United States. City of North Las Vegas. 2004. North Las Vegas Community Report. North Las Vegas, NV. Jones & Jones. 2003. Desert Claim Wind Power Project, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Vol. 1. Kittitas County. Seattle, WA. City of North Las Vegas. 2004. North Las Vegas New Resident Guide. North Las Vegas, NV. Jones & Jones. 1977. Aesthetics and Visual Resource Management for Highways. U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration. Seattle, WA. City of North Las Vegas. 2002. North Las Vegas Water Quality Report. North Las Vegas, NV.

B.1 1-15 corridor plan References

Jones & Jones. 1993. Exceptional Aesthetic Resources Technical Report. Oregon Nevada Department of Transportation, 2002. Transportation System Projects Department of Land Conservation and Development. Seattle, WA. Fiscal Years 2003 to 2012. Program Development Division. Carson City, NV.

Joy, Rick. 2002. Desert Works. Princeton Architectural Press, New York, NY. Nevada Commission on Tourism. 2004. Nevada Facts and Information found at www.travelnevada.com/facts_student.asp Kent, James and Dan Baharav. 2002. Eco-mapping: Planning and Management of Bio-social Ecosystems. Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Society for Conservation Nevada Commission on Tourism. 2004. Nevada Territories - Las Vegas; Reno- Biology, Blacksburg, VA. Tahoe; Cowboy Country; Pioneer; Pony Express found at www.travelnevada.com/facts_student.asp Kent, James and Kevin Preister. 1999. Methods for the Development of Human Geographic Boundaries and Their Use, Cooperative Agreement Report. US Overview of Mycorrhizal Symbiosis, Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management. http://cropsoil.psu.edu/sylvia/mycorrhiza.htm

Kent, James and Robert Schultz. 1993. Issue Management Handbook, Washoe Rancho Viejo's Surface Water Management Manual. July 2003. County, NV, Washoe County Issue Management System. Robinson, M.L.; Johnson, Dr. Wayne S. Johnson; Post, Richard L; and Carlos, William Las Vegas Convention and Gaming Authority. 2002. Historical Las Vegas Visitors A. A Guide to Desert Bioscape. Statistics (1970-2002). Schneider, Krista L. 2003. The Paris-Lexington Road: Community-based Planning MacMahon, James A. 1995. The Natural Audubon Society Nature Guides. and Context Sensitive Highway Design. Island Press. Washington. Deserts. Chanticleer Press, NY. Scoles, Sara and DeFalco, Lesley. March 10, 2003. The Revegetation of Disturbed Moler, Steve. May/June 2002. "A Hallmark of Context-sensitive Design." Public Areas Associated with Roads at Lake Mead National Recreation Area, NV, U.S. Roads. www.tfhrc.gov/pubrds/02may/02.htm. Geological Survey.

Moreno, Richard. 2000. Roadside History of Nevada. Mountain Press, Missoula, Storm Water as a Resource. How to Harvest and Protect a Dryland Treasure. MT. April 8, 2002. City of Santa Fe, NM.

Nevada Demographics Office. 2004. Tueller, Dr. Paul T.; Post, Dick; and Noonan, Erin. September 20, 2002. Mapping www.nsbdc.org/demographer/pubs/pop_increase.html, hosted by the Nevada Ecosystems Along Nevada Highways and the Development of Specifications for Small Business Development Center. Vegetation Remediation. University of Nevada, Reno.

Nevada Department of Transportation, 2003. Annual Work Program/Short Range Water Management Polymer Products. www.soilmoist.com/soilland.html. Element/Long Range Element, Fiscal Year 2003. Program Development Division. Carson City, NV. Wildlife Gateway Links. www.itre.ncsu.edu/cte/gateway/banff_fieldtrip.html.

Nevada Department of Transportation, 2002. Pattern and Palette of Place: A State of Nevada Department of Transportation. 2001. Standard Specifications Landscape and Aesthetics Master Plan for the Nevada State Highway System. for Road and Bridge Construction. Landscape Architecture Section. Carson City, NV. UNLV Landscape Architecture and Planning Research Office. September 2004. Nevada Department of Transportation. September 2004. Landscape and Scenic Byways and Outdoor Advertising Study. Aesthetic Procedure Manual: Guidelines, Application, Instructions, and Forms for the Community Matching Funds and Transportation Art Programs. Roadway UNLV Landscape Architecture and Planning Research Office. March 31, 2005. Design, Carson City, NV. Maintenance Cost Manual for Corridor Planning.

Nevada Department of Transportation, 2002. Nevada Traffic Crashes. U.S. Forest Service (USFS). 1973. National Forest Landscape Management, Vol.1. Safety/Traffic Engineering Division, Carson City, NV. USDA Agriculture Handbook No. 434. Washington, D.C.

B.2 1-15 corridor plan References ADDITIONAL WEBSITE SOURCES http://cropsoil.psu.edu/sylvia/mycorrhiza.htm http://www.lvcva.com/ http://enjoylaughlin.com/ http://www.maintour.com/nevada.rencarct.htm http://explorecarlinnv.com http://www.mesquitenv.com http://fernleynv.citiesunlimited.com/ http://www.pahrumpnv.org http://lovelocknevada.net/ http://www.reno.com http://piochenv.citiesunlimitd.com/ http://www.travelnevada.com/maps/Indian_lrg.pg http://www.carson-city.nv.us/ http://www.vegasfreeedom.com http://www.ci.elko.nv.us/ http://www.westwendovercity.com/ http://www.ci.henderson.nv.us/ http://www.winnemucca.nv.us/winnemucca/preview/sitenav.asp?iTopic=Home http://www.ci.las-vegas.nv.us/ http://www.winnemuccacity.org/ http://www.ci.north-las-vegas.nv.us/ http://www.yerington.net/ http://www.ci.sparks.nv.us/ www.denver-rmn.com/millennium/0831stone.shtml http://www.cityoffallon.com/ www.driwater.com/faq/answers.html http://www.cityofhenderson.com www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/garden/04702.html http://www.cityofreno.com/ www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/garden/072114.html http://www.daytonnv.com www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/wildlifecorssing/main.htm http://www.discoverourtown.com/TownPage.php?Town=2379 www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/wildlifeprotection/index.cfm?fuseaction=home .viewArticle&artic http://www.discoverourtown.com/TownPage.php?Town=2380 www.gruenassociates.com/glenwood_middle.html http://www.discoverourtown.com/TownPage.php?Town=2540 www.nsbdc.org/demographer/pubs/ http://www.elkocity.com/ www.nps.gov.blri/parkway.htm http://www.elynevada.net/ www.renolaketahoe.com http://www.gofallon.com/gov-city.htm www.soilmoist.com/soilland.html http://www.henderson-nevada.com/ www.travelnevada.com/facts_student.asp http://www.lasvegas24hours.com www.wrcc.dri.edu/narratives/NEVADA.htm http://www.lvchamber.com/ B.3 1-15 corridor plan References PERSONAL COMMUNICATION PHOTO CREDITS

Chuck O'Neil, Planner of Clark County, April 6, 2004. James A. MacMahon. 1985. National Audubon Society Nature Guide, Deserts. Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. Images - #31; 136; 231; 348; 352; 361. Doug Smith, Citizens for Scenic Nevada, April 1, 2004. Judy Mielke. 1993. Native Plans for Southwestern Landscapes. University of Eddie Richter, City of Las Vegas Planner, April 6, 2004. Texas Press.

Mike Bennett, Code Enforcement Officer with City of Mesquite, April 12, 2004. Landscape Architecture Magazine, February 2003, Volume 93, Number 2, page 24, "Stainless and Shimmering." Scott Majewski, City of Henderson Planner, April 5, 2004. Landscape Architecture Magazine, July 2004, Volume 94, Number 7, page 74, Toni Ellis, City of North Las Vegas Planner, April 6, 2004. "Fabricated Landscape."

Landscape Architecture Magazine, September 204, Volume 94, Number 9, page 126, "With A Trace."

National Audubon Society Nature Guides, Deserts, image 31, "Spring Wildflowers," Lancaster, CA.

Topos, #39, 2002. Public Open Space, "Nou Barris - Park on the Urban Periphery" by Andreu Arriola Madorell and Carmen Fiol Costa, page 29.

Topos, #46, 2004. Urban Light, "Light for the Zollverein Coalmine" by Stefanie Reuter, page 85.

Warren Jones and Charles Sacamano. 2000. Landscape Plants for Dry Regions. Da Capo (nine images).

Tony Clevenger. Banff National Park of Canada. http://images.google.com/ imgres?imgurl=http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/images/pass-passage- 4.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/docs/routes/chap1/sec1/ routes1b_E.asp&h=300&w=400&sz=19&tbnid=038r1p_10E0J:&tbnh=90&tbnw= 120&start=1&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dpass%2Bpassage%2B4%26hl%3Den%26l r%3D

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