Ideal Roadway Connection and Second Bridge Design Unveiled

Lake Havasu City has reached a significant milestone in its infrastructure development with the completion of the second bridge feasibility study. This comprehensive study, which involved seven months of public hearings and data collection, outlines optimal designs and roadway connections for a new bridge, fulfilling one of the legislative requirements of Senate Bill 1722.

Senate Bill 1722 allocated $35.5 million in state funds specifically for this project. The final report produced by Michael Baker International recommends proceeding with a high-scoring roadway connection option. Notably, options 1A and 1B received commendable scores of 21 out of 24 points, with 1A garnering additional support from various city council members during public discussions.

Both options are designed to leverage the current State Route 95 connection at Palo Verde Boulevard, linking to Lake Havasu State Park and creating a new signalized intersection along London Bridge Road. While alternative 1A serves as a straightforward design, alternative 1B introduces a single-lane roundabout option at McCulloch Boulevard, enhancing traffic flow. However, both proposals necessitate modifications to existing roadway setups.

Necessary changes include replacing the stop sign-controlled intersection at South Palo Verde and London Bridge Road with a traffic signal, as well as adjusting S. Palo Verde for better maneuverability. Furthermore, the Paseo del Sol and London Bridge Road intersection would transition to allow only right-in, right-out turns.

The envisioned roadway will comprise a 14-foot multi-use path alongside two travel lanes with designated bike lanes and a center turn lane, paired with a six-foot walking path. Meanwhile, the recommended bridge design, a “tub girder with flared piers,” achieved a score of 20 out of 24 points, noted for its aesthetic compatibility with the existing London Bridge structure while adhering to budget constraints.

Estimates place the total cost for the preferred roadway and bridge design at approximately $34,350,000, which aligns closely with the state funding available for the project. As the process progresses, three firms have submitted design proposals ahead of the July 10 deadline, namely Kimley Horn, NV5 Inc., and Michael Baker International.

City Manager Jess Knudson expressed optimism about finalizing a design contract for council approval by October, with construction projected to commence approximately a year and a half following that approval.