October 19th, 2010
U.S. Highway 93 is the main highway connecting Phoenix to Las Vegas, two cities which have experienced extreme population increase since the building of the Dam. However, the previous setup on U.S.93 -built in the early 1930’s- was inadequate for modern day traffic needs, as it was one lane each way, with sharp turns, especially difficult to navigate at nighttime. The bridge is now a 6-lane super-way, and boasts almost 2,000 ft in length, sitting 900 ft above the Colorado River. Traffic began flowing on the Hoover Dam Bypass on October 19th 2010. Construction began late January 2005, and the entire project cost about $240 million. President Obama dedicated the bypass, as FDR dedicated the Dam; both during times of economic issues, also both under Democratic administration.
Some may be questioning why we would attempt such a costly project during our current deficit. A quick explanation would be that the original planning began during the Clinton administration, in 1998, a time when our economy was much more in shape. After President Clinton left office, President George Bush adopted the task, leaving the final payment to President Obama, after all decisions had been made & construction had started.
September 30th, 2010
On Thursday September 30th, the Hoover Dam turned 75 years old. In celebration, tour fee’s were reduced from $11 to $7.50, and hot dogs were sold on site for .75 cents. Anniversary copper coins and U.S. Postal Service commemorative envelopes were also available.