LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – A second bridge linking Laughlin and Bullhead City is set to open to the public on June 7, Clark County officials announced on Tuesday.
The bridge is set to span 724 feet across the Colorado River and carry one lane of traffic in each direction. Additionally, a multi-use trail will also sit on the south side of the bridge for bicyclists, runners, and pedestrians, and feature two overlooks.
The 3.5-mile bridge was constructed just north of the Fort Mojave Indian Reservation, along Needles Highway on the Nevada side. Officials note that the bridge has been sought by the community for decades as a way to aid cross-river traffic and improve the flow of commercial vehicles and emergency responders.
It is located eight miles south of Laughlin’s only other bridge, which was opened in 1987. However, the privately-maintained Veterans Bridge that connects Fort Mohave, Ariz. to to Avi Resort and Casino sits six miles south of the new bridge.
Federal funding for the new bridge was committed in the 1990s, according to Clark County, and construction began on the $60.6 million project in November 2021. Funding for the project came in several parts – $34.1 million from the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada, $20.9 million from the federal government, $4.5 million from Bullhead City, and $1 million from Clark County.
“We are thrilled to announce June 7 as the day to celebrate the opening of the new bridge for our communities,” said Bullhead City Mayor Steve D’Amico. “We look forward to a great celebration and years of improved transportation between Laughlin and Bullhead City. Please save the date and plan on attending the celebration on June 7.”
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