Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Nevada Department of Transportation officials are encouraging race fans attending Saturday night's Qwik Liner Las Vegas 350 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race to be aware of a local highway construction project.

Because of lane restrictions on a short stretch of Interstate 15 from the U.S. 95 interchange to Lake Mead Boulevard, race fans should plan on leaving home early and avoiding the Spaghetti Bowl if possible.

The race is set to start at 6:30 p.m. and gates will open at 3 p.m.

"This is a very popular event for local race fans, and that should help in the vehicle flow for this event," said LVMS general manager Chris Powell. "Many of the people attending our race have been aware of this project for quite some time. But we still want everyone to use an alternate route if possible."

The speedway is asking all fans driving from Summerlin, Centennial Hills and other areas west and north of the city to use the 215 Beltway to I-15 North. Race fans coming from Henderson or areas east of the valley should use Nellis Boulevard to Las Vegas Boulevard North. Race fans coming from the Strip or downtown should use I-15.

"We began this project in the spring, and so far we have had minimal delays as a result of the work," said Bob McKenzie, public information office for the Nevada Department of Transportation in Southern Nevada. "But the fewer people who use this particular corridor, the less chance there is for congestion. If people will use the suggested alternate routes, it should keep delays to a minimum."

Race fans traveling north on U.S. 95 are reminded that, as a result of the project, there is no exit onto Interstate 15 northbound. Those fans should take Nellis Boulevard to Las Vegas Boulevard.

The speedway also is encouraging fans to use the Regional Transportation Commission buses. Buses will depart the Downtown Transportation Center to a stop at Craig Road and Nellis Boulevard. Fans then can transfer to a dedicated bus to the speedway.

LVMS will update race fans via its website at www.lvms.com of any last-minute issues regarding vehicle flow for the event. Race fans also are encouraged to log on to www.i15project.com for updated highway information and for bus service, to visit www.rtcsouthernnevada.com/transit/nascar_truck.cfm.