KLAS-TV Channel 8 News Las VegasFeds Releasing More Money For Hoover Dam Bypass

Feds Releasing More Money For Hoover Dam Bypass

(June 10 Update) --  The project has been spurred by the growth of Phoenix and Las Vegas over the past 20 years, the need to improve the trade route between Canada and Mexico -- and security concerns after the September 11, 2001, attacks. The US Department of Transportation will release another $6 million dollars for construction of the Hoover Dam bypass bridge on Wednesday.

The U.S. Department of Transportation tomorrow will release another $6 million dollars for construction of the Hoover Dam bypass bridge.
  
Senator Jon Kyl says that to date, the project has received half of the $234 million needed to complete the work on a new span over the Colorado River between Arizona and Nevada.
  
US 93, which passes over Hoover Dam, is the main route between Phoenix and Las Vegas.

Kyl says because the dam is a top target for terrorist attack, Highway 93 remains the only major roadway in the nation that still imposes strict traffic restrictions.  (Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press.)

(June 9 Update) -- Work has started on a $234 million bypass for the Hoover Dam that will offer motorists a straight shot between Arizona and Nevada.
  
The project has been spurred by the growth of Phoenix and Las Vegas over the past 20 years, the need to improve the trade route between Canada and Mexico -- and security concerns after the September 11th, 2001, attacks.  The bypass bridge is requiring the cooperation between the states, contractor partnerships and the federal government. State and trucking industry officials are hoping for $100 million in federal funds for the connecting bridge.  Arizona's governor recently called the bridge a top priority for her state and said she has asked Nevada officials to help lobby Congress and President Bush.  (Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press.)

(May 16) -- The Hoover Dam Bypass Project is gaining international attention. This week, the leaders of major construction companies from across the country, including Europe, are in town in preparation of bidding on the massive project.

The federal government's main man for the job is based in Colorado and spoke exclusively to Eyewitness News. The bypass project is more than just another transportation extension. The new bridge that will be built over the dam will be the largest concrete arch in the western hemisphere and the fourth largest in the world.

The bypass isn't expected to be complete until the fall of 2007, but the first of four parts is already underway. The freeway approach to the new bridge has begun on the Arizona side of the dam. In relative terms, the freeway part of the project may be the easiest. For even the most veteran engineers, constructing this new bridge will be a challenge.

"A bridge of this magnitude, with this level of technical difficulty truly requires a unique skill set," said Dave Zanetell, Hoover Dam project manager. Once complete, it will span 1,900 feet. By any measure it's a world-class bridge.

"One of the largest concrete arches in the world," said Zanetell. He is the Federal Highway Administration's Hoover Dam project manager. "The whole bypass, from beginning to end, is a challenging process," said Zanetell.

So challenging and unique that the government held a meeting in the San Remo Hotel to provide information and explanations to potential project bidders, like Tim Mulle, who says this project is like no other. "A lot of interest on a national level, because it's a signature bridge."

The bypass will be built in four phases. Phase one is underway now with work on the Arizona freeway approach. Phase two will be construction of the Nevada freeway. Phase three, the most difficult, will be the new Colorado bridge and Phase four is the asphalt paving of the entire overpass.

Though there was talk about making the bypass a toll-only road, that idea is now just water under the bridge. "The Hoover Dam bypass will not be a toll facility and it will just simply be a seamless piece of the state transportation system," said Zanetell.

A seamless section of road that will include a second engineering marvel, just 1,500 feet downstream, from the famous Hoover Dam.

Hoover Dam Bypass Information | What's New

Past KLASTV Coverage

• Relief on the Way for Hoover Dam
• Bypass Route To Ease Traffic Over Hoover Dam
• Learn about Hoover Dam -- A National Historic Landmark
  

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