Attention commuters in Laughlin and Bullhead City: significant bridge safety improvements are on the horizon, but with a caveat. Starting March 24, Laughlin Parkway, which leads to the critical Silver Copper Crossing, will be shut down to vehicle traffic during the weekdays. Clark County's official announcement reports closures will occur from Monday at 6 a.m. to Thursday at 6 p.m. over the course of roughly two weeks, specifically from March 24 to April 3, ensuring the bridge and roads are accessible for weekend travel.
Given the bridge's prominence as a connector between Laughlin and Bullhead City, this temporary closure, while a necessary measure for the impending safety enhancements, presents a maze of inconvenience for the habitual commuters; it's a disruption stitched into the fabric of two intertwined communities. Clark County Commissioner Michael Naft emphasized the objective behind this project, saying, “Helping to ensure the safety of our residents and the traveling public is an important focus of mine,” a sentiment reflecting thorough consulting with Bullhead City to mitigate the regional impact, as stated by the Clark County.
Safety improvements will add ten 200-foot emergency turnouts along the 3.5-mile stretch leading to Laughlin Parkway, with four for eastbound traffic and six for westbound. While the main road is being worked on, drivers should use alternative river crossings. The SR-163 bridge, 8 miles north, and a private bridge near the Avi Resort & Casino provide detour options for those south of the area, as per the Clark County.
Road closures will begin from Needles Highway near the Fort Mojave Indian Reservation in Nevada to Mohave Valley Highway in Arizona, where they meet at the Anderson Auto Group Field House. This temporary disruption between Laughlin and Bullhead City is necessary for long-term safety improvements. While the roads are closed, commuters should plan ahead and use detours, which may help them appreciate the importance of the roads we often take for granted.
