The Hoover Dam Bypass project is considering three alternative crossing locations to bypass Hoover Dam. The "No-Build" alternative is considered the fourth alternative. These alternatives differ in cost, scope, environmental impact, and a number of other factors. On this page you will find information about the three alternatives and graphics to help you visualize how each one might appear if implemented. The table below compares the "Engineering and Construction" features of the three alternatives. Clicking on the name of the alternative will take you to a simulated illustration of that alternative as well as a brief description of it. Finally each description also links to a page with a CAD profile.

Engineering & Construction Comparison

	Cost*	Construction Duration	Bridge Length	Bridge Elevation	Recommended Bridge Types	Other
Gold Strike Canyon	$215 million	5-6 years	1,700 feet	100 feet lower than Hoover Dam	Concrete deck arch, steel deck arch	Poorest roadway geometrics, most difficult roadway construction, least disturbance to traffic during construction
Promontory Point	$204 million	5 years	2,200 feet	230 feet higher than Hoover Dam	Steel suspension, concrete cable-stayed, steel truss rib-through arch	Most complex bridge design & construction
Sugarloaf Mountain	$198 million	5 years	1,900 feet	250 feet higher than Hoover Dam	Steel deck arch, concrete cable-stayed	Best roadway geometrics, requires relocation of 4 transmission towers

* In 2002 dollars and includes engineering and construction.

Gold Strike Canyon Alternative would cross the Colorado River about 1 mile downstream of Hoover Dam. The highway would follow Gold Strike Canyon to the river. From the abutment of the river bridge on the Arizona side, the highway would cross a spoil site created during the original construction of Hoover Dam. The route would then follow the hillside to tie in with the existing U.S. 93 at milepost 2 in Arizona. One possible bridge type: Steel Arch Click here for profile.

Promontory Point Alternative would begin 1,000 feet east of the Goldstrike Casino, following a route just south of existing U.S. 93; it would cross the Reclamation warehouse area and then cross Lake Mead about 1,000 feet upstream of Hoover Dam. It would then curve to rejoin the existing U.S. 93 near the first major curve at the crest of Black Canyon near milepost 2 in Arizona. One possible bridge type: Steel Suspension Click here for profile.

Sugarloaf Mountain Alternative would cross the Colorado River about 1,500 feet downstream of Hoover Dam. The new highway would begin about 1,000 feet east of the Goldstrike Casino, following a route just south of existing U.S. 93 to the Reclamation warehouse area. It would then curve to the southeast and cross the new bridge perpendicular to the Colorado River. The highway would tie into existing U.S. 93 at milepost 2 in Arizona. One possible bridge type: Steel Arch Click here for profile.

Last Update: 09.26.2001 04:00 PM