Public dedication of new Hoover Dam bridge to create heavy traffic, long delays tomorrow
Bridge expected to open to traffic next week
PHOENIX — More than 20,000 people are registered for tomorrow’s public dedication of the new Hoover Dam bridge over the Colorado River . ADOT is urging anyone who is traveling to Las Vegas on Saturday to take an alternate route due to heavy traffic and long delays from this event.
The $240-million Mike O’Callaghan – Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge is expected to open to traffic next week, according to the Federal Highway Administration. It will not be open during Saturday’s public dedication. The Bridging America dedication is being planned and organized by FHWA.
Motorists who are not confirmed participants at the event will run into heavy traffic delays on US 93 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. tomorrow and should plan to take a different route when heading to or from Las Vegas . Travel options include using State Route 68 east of Kingman to Bullhead City, crossing the Laughlin Bridge onto Nevada State Highway 163, then using US 95 through Searchlight, Nevada. This detour route, however, also will experience heavier-than-normal traffic.
ADOT will provide messages to drivers on digital sign boards located along northbound US 93, westbound I-40, and eastbound SR 68.
Drivers can tune into the latest traffic alerts on 1610-AM and 1620-AM or by calling 5-1-1. Like for any road trips, travelers are advised to bring extra food, water and supplies with them if they must take US 93 and are caught in the delays.
For more information on tomorrow’s celebration, visit http://www.CelebrateHooverBridge.com and click on “What to Expect” for a detailed description of how to plan accordingly, whether you are a participant in the event, or if you are traveling through the area that day.
