Plan extra time before leaving on that holiday trip

Thursday, Dec. 23, 2004 | 9:09 a.m.

Whether they go by air or on the ground, travelers will have lots of company this holiday season.

AAA Nevada expects more than a half million Nevadans will travel more than 50 miles from home during the Christmas weekend, and in Southern Nevada that will mean it will take longer than usual to get over Hoover Dam or to fly out of McCarran International Airport, experts warn.

Traffic across Hoover Dam is expected to be heavy Christmas Day with potential delays of two hours during the peak traffic hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Bureau of Reclamation officials said.

Officials say statistics from the previous two years indicate that Dec. 26 through Jan. 2 are the busiest traffic days at the dam. As a result, motorists are advised to allow about two hours extra travel time if they plan to cross the dam during peak hours, officials said.

Also, the speed limit approaching and crossing the dam will be 15 mph and post-Sept. 11, 2001, vehicle restrictions will remain in effect, meaning every vehicle will have to make at least one stop at a checkpoint before crossing the dam.

Reclamation officials said the dam parking garage, visitor center, all concessions and tour services will be closed Saturday, but visitors will be permitted to walk around the top of the dam until dark. Those facilities and services will be open and available New Year's Day, officials said.

For air travelers who don't have time for sightseeing at the dam or driving, airport officials offer these tips to prepare for holiday travel:

Parking Tips