Highway to Death Valley is open

Tuesday, July 12, 2005 | 9 a.m.

Almost 11 months after a devastating flash flood in August 2004, Highway 190 from Death Valley Junction to Furnace Creek in Death Valley National Park is open to traffic with no detours or delays.

Late on Aug. 15, 2004, a flash flood, larger than any in 20 years, ripped through Furnace Creek Wash. The force of the storm swept a dozen cars away, pulverized 14 miles of state highway, destroyed water lines and claimed the lives of two visitors.

Much of the 14 miles of roadway had to be rebuilt from scratch by Las Vegas Paving. The road has been reinforced for future flooding.

Although Highway 190 is open, nearby roads and scenic overlooks are still closed, including Zabriskie Point's parking area and overlook, Dante's View, 20-mile Team Canyon and Hole in the Wall.

Construction continues on roads into those popular visitor areas.

The opening of Highway 190 shortens the trip to Death Valley for Southern Nevada residents, who previously had to drive to Beatty's gateway to the national park.

Now visitors can take the more direct route to Furnace Creek, turning off U.S. 95 at the Amargosa Valley intersection and driving to Death Valley Junction to pick up Highway 190. Another option is through Shoshone, Calif., by way of Pahrump Valley.