Huge backups slow traffic to crawl on major routes

Drivers leaving the Las Vegas Valley after the Thanksgiving weekend faced a slow crawl on southbound Interstate 15 on Sunday afternoon.

The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada reported the backup near the NevadaCalifornia state line shortly after 3:30 p.m.

Nevada Highway Patrol trooper Jason Buratczuk confirmed Sunday evening that southbound I-15 travel was slowed from Primm. One report indicated that the drive from Las Vegas to Barstow was taking up to eight hours, while the 12-mile stretch from Jean to Primm was taking almost an hour, he said.

Traffic also was heavy on southbound U.S. Highways 93/95, from Wagonwheel Drive in Henderson through Boulder City, this afternoon, according to the RTC.

The transportation commission warned drivers of heavy traffic and long delays.

Traffic was also backed up for 13 miles Saturday afternoon on southbound I-15 near Primm. The department said at least 46 fire personnel responded.

Crews evacuated residents and prevented flames from spreading to the connecting units of the multifamily apartment building, the department said in a statement. The fire was under control by 4:30 a.m.

No firefighters were injured, but one resident was taken to a local hospital for medical reasons unrelated to smoke inhalation.

The cause of the fire was still under investigation.