Commerce Street is closed south of Charleston Boulevard around the clock through Oct. 19 while crews install underground box culverts for a major storm-drain project. The closure began Sept. 21 and is changing how drivers reach this downtown stretch, though the city says business and pedestrian access will be maintained during construction.
The work is part of the city of Las Vegas’ Charleston Storm Drain project, a flood-control effort that also includes new sewer and water infrastructure. The closure map shows temporary two-way access for businesses in the affected area. Dates are subject to change, so signs and posted directions at the site matter more than a familiar shortcut.
What is closed on Commerce Street?
The city’s project map marks Commerce Street south of Charleston Boulevard as closed from Sept. 21 through Oct. 19, 24 hours a day. That is a specific work-area closure, not a closure of all of Commerce Street. The map also identifies temporary two-way access for businesses.
The city says business and pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the broader project. Drivers should expect restrictions and use the posted traffic controls, rather than assume the usual route or curb access is available. For businesses, customers and deliveries, the key detail is the active work zone at the south side of Charleston.
Why crews are working there
The culvert installation is one piece of a larger flood-control project along Charleston Boulevard, from Commerce Street to Maryland Parkway. The city says the project includes about one mile of storm drain intended to reduce flooding, along with sewer and water work, traffic-signal changes, median construction and new pavement.
That is more than a quick patch job. The underground work is designed to improve the infrastructure that carries stormwater, while the street-level work brings temporary changes for people moving through the area.
A long project with a defined finish window
The city lists Aug. 11, 2025, as the construction start date and fall 2027 as the expected completion window for the overall project. The listed construction cost is $49 million. Funding comes from the Clark County Regional Flood Control District, the Regional Transportation Commission and the city of Las Vegas.
Work is generally scheduled Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., with occasional night and weekend work. The city also notes that lane restrictions can be in place around the clock. The current Commerce Street closure has its own posted dates, which may change.
What to watch as the work moves forward
Check the city’s Charleston Storm Drain project page and Commerce Street closure map before heading through the area. The map’s dates are subject to change, and work-zone access can shift as crews advance.
The goal is less flooding. The short-term reality is a closed stretch of Commerce and a downtown route that needs a little extra planning.
