Hoover Dam bypass update

by Jimmy
(Kingman,Az)

If you run west On I40 through Arizona, as you know, there is a detour around Hoover Dam if your trip takes you through Las Vegas. Since 9/11, no trucks have been allowed over Hoover Dam. You must detour through Laughlin,Nv which adds 25 miles but probably 1 hour time wise. Or you can stay on I40 through Needles,Ca and Pickup U.S.95 West of Needles and proceed north.

The Laughlin detour has a 12 mile, 6% downgrade with 2 escape ramps and a traffic signal at the bottom. Some drivers not familiar get a rude awakening with the 6% grade. D.P.S. say these ramps are used 70 times a year to get trucks stopped. There have been some nasty wrecks in the area, even trucks coming eastbound from Nevada which also has 6%. In '08, a truck went into the river.

The new bypass is expected to be open in Sept/Oct '09. It will be 4 lanes all the way from Exit 48 on I40 to Boulder City, Nv. I have not heard anything about bypassing Boulder City, but you can scoot through there fairly quick. And also a new Loves is expected to open soon at exit 9 on I40 in Lake Havasu City,Az just past the Pilot. Jimmy