KLAS-TV Channel 8 News Las VegasRelief on the Way for Hoover Dam

Relief on the Way for Hoover Dam

(Oct. 21) -- A new multimillion dollar project is under way to make Hoover Dam safer and more convenient for drivers. It's also meant to protect the dam from terrorists. The project took high priority after the events of Sept. 11.

A $234 million bypass will take drivers traveling between Nevada and Arizona off the Hoover Dam and along side it. The Hoover Dam bypass is designed to save drivers time, keep tourists safe and protect one of our nation's most valuable treasures.

"Hoover Dam has been serving us well for many, many years -- the last 40 to 50 years," said Nevada Gov. Kenny Guinn. "But I think now, mixing the tremendous amount of tourist and truck traffic isn't working as well for us."

The project was put on the fast track after the 9-11 attacks on America.

"We were making progress but I think it was relatively slow. But I think 9-11 has allowed us -- along with the Transportation Department in Washington, D.C. -- to focus on the issue we have here," Guinn said.

There is one problem: While it will cost $234 million to build the bypass, the project is more that $100 million short.

"The national government, as you know, owns the Hoover Dam. So the National Forest Service and BLM are also concerned about it," Guinn said. "I think they will come with substantial dollars, but if we have to put in another $20 million to $30 million, I think it will be well worth it for the state of Nevada."

Both Nevada and Arizona already kicked in $20 million each. But Guinn says the Silver State will likely have to dig a little deeper into the transportation budget to finance the project. Nonetheless, work will still begin on the bypass this month on the Arizona side.

Drivers can expect to start using it mid 2007. That will be welcome news to the more than 2100 trucks that are detoured from the dam every day. The extra 23 miles they have to drive through Laughlin costs the various companies a total of about $30 million annually. The restrictions on trucks will remain effective until the bypass is complete.

To view what the new route will look like, click here.

To contact Jon Summers, click here.