News Release Archive

Hoover Dam Expects Heavy Traffic During Holiday Weekend

Motorcyclists to ride on Sunday for Memorial Day observance

Media Contact: Bob Walsh, 702-293-8421, rwalsh@lc.usbr.gov

For Release: May 24, 2005

Motorists planning to drive across Hoover Dam during the Memorial Day holiday weekend should anticipate heavy and slower-than-normal traffic.

"As on any long holiday weekend, traffic crossing the dam will be heavy from Thursday, May 26, through Monday evening, May 30," said Hoover Dam Police Chief Rich Melim.

Additionally, from mid-morning until about noon on Sunday, May 29, approximately 300 members of the Vietnam Veterans Motorcycle Club and their associates will conduct their seventh annual Memorial Day ride across Hoover Dam. The group will cross from the Arizona side of the dam to the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City. National Park Service rangers and park police, Boulder City police, and Hoover Dam police officers will escort the group during the procession.

"Since a large number of pedestrians is expected on top of the dam during the holiday period, Hoover Dam police will also manage traffic and visitors," said Chief Melim.

The chief also reminds motorists that the speed limit approaching and across the dam is only 15 miles per hour, which will be strictly enforced. Motorists should also have flexible schedules to allow for any extra time necessary, possibly up to two hours, to drive across the dam. Based on past experience, the heaviest traffic period occurs between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (Pacific Daylight Saving Time).

Post-Sept. 11, 2001, vehicle restrictions remain in effect. Commercial trucks, buses with luggage, and trailers longer than 26.5 feet, are prohibited from crossing the dam. Cargo-type or rental trucks, recreational vehicles, boats and trailers, and pickups with camper shells or other coverings will be inspected before they are permitted across the dam. All vehicles, including passenger cars and their contents, are always subject to inspection.

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