News Release Archive

Reclamation Anticipates Lengthy Traffic Delays at Hoover Dam Over New Year's Day Weekend

Media Contact: Bob Walsh , 702.293.8421 , rwalsh@usbr.gov
Steve León , 702.293.8456, sleon@usbr.gov

For Release: December 31, 2009

Motorists attempting to cross Hoover Dam during the New Year's Day weekend may face one-to three-hour delays during peak travel times.

Traffic is expect to be particularly heavy today (December 31) and Sunday, January 3, as motorists travel to and from Las Vegas for the holiday.

The peak traffic hours at the dam on any given day are generally from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Pacific Time). On holiday weekends, the peak hours can begin as early as 9 a.m. and last until 9 p.m. or later.

Motorists planning to travel across Hoover Dam this weekend should allow extra time to reach their destinations. Or, they may wish to use an alternate route U.S. Highway 95, Nevada Highway 163, and Arizona Highway 68 to travel between Kingman, Ariz., and Las Vegas, or plan to cross the dam early in the morning or late at night to avoid long delays.

Hoover Dam Police will be managing vehicle and pedestrian traffic at the dam throughout the weekend to ensure traffic can cross the dam as fast as safely possible, while also ensuring the maximum safety for motorists, and Hoover Dam visitors and employees.

Drivers crossing the dam are reminded to inspect their vehicle before traveling, have plenty of fuel, and to have refreshments on hand in case of delays. Even though the Hoover Dam is remotely located travelers can still utilize 911 to report emergencies.

Motorists are also reminded that post Sept. 11, 2001, vehicle restrictions remain in place. Commercial trucks and buses with luggage are prohibited from crossing the dam. Recreational vehicles, U-haul trucks, boats and trailers, and pickups with camper shells or other coverings with camper shells or other coverings will be inspected before being allowed across the dam. All vehicles, including passengers cars and their contents, are subject to inspection. For more information, review the guide at http://www.usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam/crossingguide.pdf.

Construction on the Hoover Dam by-pass bridge has been suspended throughout the weekend to facilitate traffic flow.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.