"As on any long holiday weekend, traffic crossing the dam will be heavy," said Hoover Dam Police Chief Rich Melim. Although construction work on the Hoover Dam By-Pass Bridge is suspended for the holiday, motorists should have flexible schedules to allow for the extra time necessary to cross the dam from Thursday, September 1, through early Tuesday, September 6.

Motorists also should remember that the speed limit approaching and across the dam is only 15 miles per hour, which will be strictly enforced. Based on past experience, the heaviest traffic period occurs between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (Pacific Daylight Saving Time).

Hoover Dam Police officers will be closely monitoring drivers and pedestrians at Hoover Dam to ensure safe and prudent foot and vehicle traffic. Historically, large numbers of pedestrians sightsee on top of the dam during a holiday period. Drivers are also reminded to refrain from stopping on the roadway to load and unload passengers, which adds to the overall congestion on top of the dam.

To reduce the chance of encountering a substantial delay, the Bureau of Reclamation recommends drivers plan to cross the dam at non-peak hours, when there is somewhat less traffic and fewer tourists visiting the site. After dark, visitors are not allowed on the dam.

Additionally, vehicle restrictions remain in effect. Commercial trucks, buses with luggage, and trailers longer than 26.5 feet are prohibited from crossing the dam. Cargo-type or rental trucks, recreational vehicles, boats and trailers, and pickups with camper shells or other coverings will be inspected before they are permitted across the dam. All vehicles, including passenger cars and their contents, are always subject to inspection.