LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Hoover Dam has been closed to all visitors since Monday, July 27, while maintenance crews address an equipment issue involving the facility’s cableway system. The closure is also affecting roadway access through the site.
The dam and powerplant continue to operate normally, according to the Bureau of Reclamation.
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What happened
The 150-ton cableway system — located near the parking garage and above the main access road — is used to move large equipment and materials across the river and between the Nevada and Arizona sides of the powerplant. During routine maintenance, the cableway carriage moved unexpectedly and placed additional stress on system components.
As a precaution, the area has been secured. A specialty contractor is scheduled to join Reclamation’s team on site Wednesday, July 29, to assess the equipment.
No timeline for reopening
Reclamation said it cannot estimate when visitor access will resume until the contractor completes its evaluation and safely repositions the cableway carriage.
“We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding while our teams work through this situation,” said Genevieve Johnson, Reclamation Lower Colorado Basin Acting Regional Director. “Safety remains our top priority. While visitor access is temporarily paused, Hoover Dam and the powerplant are operating normally, and there is no risk to the facility.”
Safe access for employees and contractors remains available, and normal operations and maintenance work continues. Reclamation said it will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Visitors are urged to check the Hoover Dam’s social media pages for updates as more information becomes available.
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