Laughlin-Bullhead City Bridge finally set to open June 7

MOHAVE COUNTY — The highly anticipated second bridge connecting Laughlin, Nevada, and Bullhead City, Arizona, is set to open on Friday, June 7, 2024, marking a significant milestone for the region. The grand opening celebration, announced by Clark County Commissioner Michael Naft and Bullhead City Mayor Steve D’Amico, will showcase the culmination of decades of planning and over two years of construction.
The $60.6 million project, a collaborative effort involving Clark County, the federal government, and Bullhead City, began in November 2021. Led by Clark County Public Works and constructed by Fisher Sand and Gravel, the bridge spans 724 feet across the Colorado River and stands 35 feet above the water. The structure will initially feature two lanes of traffic and a multi-use path for bicyclists, runners, and pedestrians, with the potential to be restriped to accommodate four lanes of traffic if needed.
The bridge’s construction has been a complex undertaking, involving cooperation from various federal and state agencies, including the U.S. Federal Highway Administration, the Nevada Department of Transportation, the U.S. Coast Guard, and several environmental agencies. The project also includes a 3.5-mile connecting road on the Nevada side and a half-mile extension of Bullhead Parkway in Arizona.
Environmental considerations have been a key focus throughout the project. A 2.5-acre nature center pond was created on the Arizona side to serve as a refuge for waterfowl, offering protection from river traffic. More than 1,400 bushes were planted along the bridge roadways to enhance the aesthetic appeal and integrate the structure into the surrounding landscape.
Funding for the project came from multiple sources, with the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada contributing $34.1 million, the federal government providing $20.9 million, Bullhead City allocating $4.5 million, and Clark County investing $1 million. The investment is expected to yield significant returns for the local economies on both sides of the river.
The new bridge is anticipated to bring substantial economic benefits to the region by facilitating cross-river commerce and improving access to shopping, services, and entertainment. It will also alleviate traffic on the existing Laughlin Bridge, which opened in 1987, and enhance emergency response capabilities.
Commissioner Naft expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “This second bridge spanning the Colorado River has been decades in the making. Its completion will facilitate the flow of traffic and commerce across the river, and I’m looking forward to celebrating this historic milestone with our residents.”
Mayor D’Amico shared similar sentiments, saying, “We are thrilled to announce June 7 as the day to celebrate the opening of the new bridge for our communities. We look forward to a great celebration and years of improved transportation between Laughlin and Bullhead City.”
The bridge’s opening comes at an exciting time for Bullhead City, as the community recently approved the Emerald Bay development, a nearly 500-acre luxury resort and residential project. Emerald Bay, situated near the new bridge, is expected to bring high-end amenities, residential options, and economic opportunities to the area.
The combination of improved transportation infrastructure and the Emerald Bay development positions Bullhead City for significant growth in the coming years. The bridge will enhance connectivity between the two communities, making it easier for residents and visitors to access the amenities and attractions on both sides of the river.
As the Laughlin-Bullhead City Bridge prepares to open, it stands as a symbol of the strengthened bond between the two cities, offering improved transportation, economic opportunities, and a brighter future for the entire region. The grand opening celebration on June 7 promises to be a momentous occasion, with both communities invited to attend.
—Jeremy Webb