BULLHEAD CITY – Traffic patterns are sure to change when the second bridge linking Bullhead City with Laughlin over the Colorado River opens in the near future. Southern Nevada neighbors may use the structure to reach the retail concentration in the vicinity of the Anderson Auto Field House and beyond.
“It’s going to immediately take a big portion of the Laughlin traffic and move it in that direction, probably for shopping,” said Bullhead City Manager Toby Cotter. “People may find it easier to go to Target and CVS and other places by coming down the Needles Highway to the new bridge.”
The bridge is expected to provide drainage for a congested Highway 95 on the Arizona side of the river.
“That’s an immediate goal we have is just some traffic relief on Highway 95, especially during those busy times of the year like March, or during summer on a holiday Saturday when you have so much traffic that the new bridge will definitely provide some of that relief that we need,” Cotter said. He projected the new bridge will initially draw about 50,000 vehicles per day, with volume building over time.
A celebration of the structure is expected, though any date is uncertain.
“Our goal is to have a big community event, whether it’s the same day as the grand opening or the day before. Let everybody walk on it, ride their bike, walk their dog, just really enjoy the new bridge before we put cars on it,” Cotter said. “Officially, we’ve been talking about dates in May, hopefully not far into June. We’d like to open it as soon as possible.”
Attempts to reach Clark County officials for comment were unsuccessful.
Dave Hawkins
