Havasu’s Second Bridge: Unveiling the Perfect Design and Roadway Link

The feasibility study for a second bridge in Lake Havasu City has reached completion after seven months of hearings and assessments. This critical phase fulfills one of the legislative requirements set forth in Senate Bill 1722, which includes a provision for $35.5 million in state funding for the project.

Engineering firm Michael Baker International conducted the study, identifying the most viable design and roadway connection options. The report evaluates the potential plans based on factors such as constructability, cost, and long-term maintenance, culminating in a recommendation to advance toward design, permitting, and construction.

Among the proposals, roadway options 1A and 1B achieved the highest scores, with 21 out of 24 points. Suggested by several City Council members during public discussions, option 1A connects existing State Route 95 at Palo Verde Boulevard to Lake Havasu State Park, incorporating a new signalized intersection north of the Paseo Del Sol intersection. Option 1B mirrors this layout but introduces a single-lane roundabout at McCulloch Boulevard and London Bridge Road.

Both alternatives necessitate modifications to current roadways. The report highlights changing the stop-controlled intersection at South Palo Verde and London Bridge Road to a signalized one and redesigning intersections to accommodate additional traffic flows.

In addition, the proposed conceptual roadway includes features such as a 14-foot multi-use path, two traffic lanes with bike lanes, a central turning lane, and a six-foot walking path opposite the multi-use path.

As for the bridge design, the top contender is a “tub girder with flared piers,” scoring 20 out of 24 points. This design complements the existing London Bridge aesthetic while adhering to budget constraints. The total estimated cost for the preferred roadway and bridge design stands at $34,350,000, slightly under the allocated funding.

By the July 10 deadline, three firms—Kimley Horn, NV5 Inc., and Michael Baker International—submitted proposals for the bridge design. City Manager Jess Knudson has expressed the goal of presenting a design contract to the City Council for approval within a few months, with construction slated to commence approximately 18 months later.