Upper Diversion Weir & Bridge Completion
Visitors to Las Vegas Wash (Wash) during recent months may have noticed ongoing construction as crews worked to complete a weir and bridge.  Just upstream of Monson Weir, across from the Nature Preserve, the 11th erosion control project has been taking place.  The Upper Diversion Weir and Bridge project began one summer ago and the project is expected to be completed by of July 11, 2008.  This project also includes a Bypass Channel which will be used in the future to divert flows during maintenance and upcoming construction projects downstream.

Upper Diversion Weir Bypass Channel September 2007

Challenges facing this project included the hard-packed caliche soil which made excavation more difficult.  During an inspection of the bridge supports, gaps in the concrete were found 27 feet below ground.  Cross-hole sonic logging technology enabled this find and helped in forming a strategy to correct it.  Aside from these hurdles construction progressed without incident.

Spillway Construction, February 2008

Because of its location, Upper Diversion Weir will help eliminate about 50 percent of the headcut moving upstream near the site.  The Bypass Channel will also help to reduce flooding at the Nature Preserve in The Clark County Wetlands Park during storm events.  Several acres of wetlands will be created behind the weir, adding much needed habitat for wildlife in the area.  In the future, the bridge will serve as a link, connecting visitors from the Nature Preserve to Sunrise Mountain Trailhead.

Upper Diversion Bypass Channel Excavation, July 2007

An ongoing concern of construction personnel working at the Wash is the presence of citizens on or near construction sites.  These sites contain massive construction equipment and conditions that constantly change.  Visitors to the Wash should be mindful of ongoing construction, and should steer clear of construction sites.   But don’t worry; soon, you will be able to enjoy the entire Clark County Wetlands Park, as the bridge will give access to both sides of the park!

Completed Upper Diversion Weir Bridge