Clark Avenue Railroad Underpass

The Clark Avenue Railroad Underpass, also known as the Bonanza Underpass, is a bridge and underpass in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The bridge is so named since at the time of construction it crossed Clark Avenue which was later renamed to Bonanza Road.^[1] The underpass is currently part of Nevada State Route 579.

Clark Avenue Railroad Underpass
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
Location	W. Bonanza Road at the Union Pacific Railroad tracks Las Vegas, Nevada
Coordinates	36°10′38″N 115°08′40″W
Built	1936
Architect	Nevada Department of Highways and Union Pacific Railroad
Architectural style	Art Deco
NRHP reference No.	03001509
Added to NRHP	January 28, 2004

Historic significance

It is significant as the underpass allowed for access between Las Vegas and the settlements west of the city. Previously, it was a dangerous undertaking to cross the Union Pacific Railroad (ex-San Pedro, Los Angeles and Salt Lake Railroad) tracks.^[2][3]

History

The bridge was constructed in 1937 by the Works Progress Administration.^[1][4] The structure has changed over time, primarily due to a widening project on Bonanza Road.^[1]

References

1. "Underpass rises in stature". Las Vegas Sun. February 11, 2004.
2. "Clark County". Nevada. July 31, 2008. Archived from the original on July 25, 2011. Retrieved October 12, 2008.
3. Mooney, Courtney (2003). "Clark Avenue Railroad Underpass". National Register of Historic Places-Registration Form. National Park Service. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
4. Sean Whaley (February 11, 2004). "Las Vegas railroad underpass garners special designation". Las Vegas Review-Journal.