Boulder City’s last 1,000 feet of trail & photo preview

 December 22, 2009 -  Due to rain and cold temperatures paving of the trail was delayed until Monday the 21st. of December.  The last 1,000 feet was paved on Monday.  Gary advises the contractor has safety signs and trail striping to do prior to opening for use.  We’re are hoping it is in time for all those new bikes Santa will deliever on Christmas Day.  Check for signs and barricades before entering this area.  Happy Trails and Merry Christmas…   SEE NEW PHOTOS IN GALLERY BELOW DATED 122109.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Looking S.E. over Boulder city by Gary Z.

Nov. 17, 2009 -  Per Gary in B.C. we are down to our last 1,000 feet of trail to build. Today they are pouring a retaining wall along the property line with National Parks Service Warehouse parking.  Once cured the contractor can pave the trail right up next to it.  Should be completed by November 30th and ready for use…. this is the last piece of asphalt to complete Boulder cities portions of the River Mountains Loop Trail.  This section being completed is between mile marker 30 and mile marker 31.   The follow photos were  provided by Gary Zupanic, Boulder City Engineer and project manager. Thanks Gary.

RMLT connects to Bootleg Canyon Park photo by Gary Z.

 Boulder City last 1,000 feet photo gallery:

Trail junction at US 93, St. Judes & Lake Mead in Background 122109

S curve near NPS warehouse by Gary Z.

Near Bootleg Canyon Park uphill climb by Gary Z.

Bootleg Canyon Park connection by Gary Z.

Above NPS Warehouse by Gary Z.

RMLT connects to Bootleg Canyon Park photo by Gary Z.

Looking S.E. over Boulder city by Gary Z.

pouring retaining wall at NPS last 1,000 feet by Gary Z.

Segment #3 tei-in to SEg. #2 at NPS warehouse 122109

New trail kiosk in Bootleg Canyon Park 122109

Hoover Dam Connecting Trail – Historic Railroad Trail

 

 

 

Hoover Dam connector trail canyon wall 2004

Nov. 6, 2009 -  I ran across these old photos of the building of the connecting trail from the Historic Railroad down to the Hoover Dam Visitor center parking garage.  This was probably one of the most expensive trail segments due to the NEPA and historic nature of the area; plus it had severe construction challenges. We had to hang a trail on the side of a canyon wall.

Hoover connector trail - contractor & trail partners 2004

 The River Mountains Trail Partnership was activily involved in the completion of the Historic Railroad Trail including the Hoover Dam connector as it would become a landmark and historic destination on the whole trail system.

 

Hoover Dam connector trail switchbacks down canyon wall to garage...2004

The completion of the Historic Railroad Trail and the Hoover Dam connector trail were dedicated and open to the public in October 2007 with a bike ride from Boulder City to the Hoover Dam. The trail section from tunnel #5 to the dam is only open during daylight hours. 

In the gallery photos below is one old B & W photo from Bureau of Reclamation public file photos showing the Hi-mix concrete plant with a steam locatmotive. This is the same location of the current Hoover Dam Connector Trail.  If you look closely you’ll see the same large crack in the rock formation on the left.

Hoover Dam Connector Trail photo Gallery:

Hoover Dam Connector Trail open Oct. 2007

Hoover Dam connector trail switchbacks down canyon wall to garage…2004

Hoover connector trail – contractor & trail partners 2004

Hoover Dam connector trail canyon wall 2004

Hoover Dam connector Trail top of grade 2004

Hoover Dam Train Concrete Plant circa 1930 BOR photo file -same location as top of trail connector

 

 

 

Hoover Dam Bridge photos Spring, Summer, and Fall 2009

September 2009 – I just got some more updated photos sent to me from a contractor buddy of mine. These latest photos are awsome shots. Bridge is due for completion in 2010 with dedication/opening set for late 2010…rumor has it that President “O” will be here.  Enjoy the photos and even better yet ride the trail down to Hoover Dam and take your own photos:

 

 

Bridge cables highlighted in sun 0909 unkJuly 2009- These photos are a little old now, but you can do a google Image search and find tons of current photos of this tremendous construction project. This project is visible from the Historic Railroad Trail which links and connects to the River Mountains Loop Trail. Enjoy.Hoovr Dam Bridge March 2009

I should note that as of this week the arch is very close to be closed. An amazing engineering & construction feat.  Part of the final road by-pass construction will make big improvements to the Historic Railroad Trail from its connection to the River Mountains Loop Trail down to the Hoover Dam Visitor Center.

Hoover Dam Dridge Arch nearly complete July 2009

Photo gallery here:

Bridge cables highlighted in sun 0909 unk

Bridge cables highlighted in sun 0909 unk

Bypass bridge looking north upriver 0909unk

Hoover Dam Dridge Arch nearly complete July 2009

Hoover Dam Bridge Nevada Tower March 2009

Hoover Dam Bridge Arizona Tower March 2009

Hoovr Dam Bridge March 2009

Hoover Dam Bridge arch march 2009

Hoover Bridge Aerial NV side 2009

Hoover Dam Bridge arch almost complete July 2009

Public Meeting Notice -Segment #14 NDOT

July 16, 2009 – NDOT announces public meeting on Environmental Assessment for RMLT #14 and Lake Mead Parkway corridor on July 28th, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Henderson City Hall Council Chambers.

The public meeting will address proposed improvements to Lake Mead Parkway as follows:

• Widening the roadway within the existing right-of-way from four to six lanes in each direction from Boulder Highway to 0.6 miles east of Golda Ave.;
• Modifing or extending frontage roads at the western limits of the project;
• Constructing a shared use path(trail) to accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians(walkers);
• Constructing segment #14 of the River Mountains Loop Trail(RMLT);
• Landscaping, and
• Bus stop mprovements.

WHEN AND WHERE:  The location/Design hearing will be held on Tuesday, July 28, 2009 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at the City of Henderson city Hall, 240 Water St. Henderson, NV. 89009

WHERE YOU COME IN: There will be a brief project presentation at 5:30 p.m. followed by a short comment period. Before and after the presentation at 5:30 p.m.; the meeting will be conducted in an “open house” format to provide you with an opportunity to view the displays and individually discuss the project with project representatives.

Public Comment: Your comments may be submitted for the public record in writing at the meeting or verbally to a court recorder who will be  available throughout the meeting.  In addition to any comments received at the meeting, written or email comments will be accepted through August 12, 2009.  Please email your comments to info@dot.state.nv.us with a reference to the Lake Mead Parkway Improvements Project in the subject line.   You many mail your comments to Dan McMartin, P.E. project manager, Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT), 1263 South Stewart Street, Carson city, NV. 89712.

Copies of the Environmental Assessment are available by request from the Nevada Department of Transportation(NDOT) Headquarters, Environmental Services Division, 1263 South Stewart Street, Room 104, Carson City, Nevada 89712; telephone 775-888-7013.

______________________________________________________

We encourage your attendance and comments to ensure that this last piece of the River Mountains Loop Trail is done right and with trail users in mind. The (EA) Environmental Assessment is a critical path item for final design and approval for construction.  Segment #14 has many R.O.W. and land ownership issues but once complete will offer some of the most interesting views and history along the trail.  It will also connect Henderson, Lake Las Vegas, Lake Mead Parkway Trail, and Wetlands Park Trails to Lake Mead National Recreation Area. 

 

 

Boulder City Last Two Segments Begin Construction June 2009

July 28, 2009 – the project manager advises that late last week portions of segment #4 around the Vet’s home was paved and linked up to segment #5. After only 30-days pavement is laid down.  We are trekking east for a finish late summer.

 

 

 

 

  RMLT Seg. #4 passes Vet’s home 72909

  

RMLT #4 Bootleg Connect 72909

 June 29, 2009 -  Boulder City gave the green light last week to begin constuction on the last two segments (3 & 4) under their jurisdiction.  Work began almost immediately as the following photos indicate.  Construction on segment #4 began over near the Veterans Home and Bootleg Canyon trail head on Veterans Drive.  At the same time work also began on segment #3 at the National Park Service Warehouse on Nevada Hwy.   I guess the plan is to work toward the center and meet up.

We’ll post progress reports and photos here as these last two segments get built. 

BOULDER CITY AND THE RIVER MOUNTAINS TRAIL PARTNERSHIP ARE TARGETING OCT. 17, 2009 FOR A RIBBON CUTTING EVENT TO OPEN ALL THREE SEGMENTS TO THE PUBLIC.  STAY TUNED FOR MORE NEWS….:)

Construction on #4 begins June 2009

 

 

RMLT #3 construction begins 62909

 Photos above provided by Gary Zupanic, B.C. Engineer

Photo gallery below:

RMLT Seg. #4 passes Vet’s home 72909

RMLT #3 construction begins 62909

Construction on #4 begins June 2009

RMLT #4 Bootleg Connect 72909

 

Boulder City – Bridge Deck Poured 8/06/09; Completion to Railroad Pass nears…

August 19, 2009 – It’s not official, “BUT” the bridge is done and open for use.  I have heard reports that the new B.C. connection is getting lots of use.  We may have  to install traffic signals?   Just kidding. 

 

 

 

B.C. Bridge concrete curing 8-08-09

 

 

SAFETY NOTE:  Until the signs and stop lines are installed at the railroad crossing PLEASE stay back from the RR-tracks on weekends when the tourist train is passing. Ill try and get the hours of operation post here in the next few days.

AUGUST 6, 2009 – Bridge decking was poured early this morning (see photo below).  Please give it a few days to cure and respect the contractors closed signs.  Getting lots of feedback about riders riding the new paved sections to and from Boulder City.   

BOULDER CITY  AND THE RMLT PLANNING OCTOBER 17TH TRAIL OPENING CELEBRATION.  STAY TUNED FOR DETAILS!!!

  

 

 

rmlt #5 Bridge Decking poured 8-06-09

 

 

 

 

 

July 28, 2009 – Bridge approaches paved. Bridge decking scheduled to be poured this week; then needs a week to cure.  So look for  bridge opening August 10th more or less. 

Also contractor working on segments 3 & 4 paved portions of segment #4 around the Vet’s home.  The trail is trekking east day by day toward a late summer completion. 

 July 23, 2009 - More progress to report as paving took place earlier this week on the remain portions of Segment #5 from Railroad Pass Hotel & Casino to the Pedestrian Bridge.  The bridge is not complete, no decking, so do not plan to ride just yet.

 

RMLT #5 paved to Railroad Pass Casino 72309

 

 July 16, 2009 – More retaining wall work photos. this one is where the River Mountains Loop Trail will cross the historic railroad .  Work progresses daily and everyone is waiting for the pavement lay down day and completion. 

 

  

RMLT # 5 Retaining wall ar RR Tracks crossing 71409

 

Retaining Wall at Railroad crossing 71409

June 29, 2009 – Retaining wall work above the highway and below the railroad tracks is tedious work. Here is photo provided by Gary Zupanic, B.c. Engineer of the work being completed.

 

 

 June 24th, 2009 - Bridge decking has not been poured yet.  Trail construction continues toward Railroad Pass Hotel, one more retaining wall and drainage culvert needs to be placed, then final grading, type two gravel base, and paving in about three weeks. Could be available by mid-July for riding???

Retaining wall work near Railroad Pass 62909

 

 

Segments 3 & 4 have been given the green light to start and grading started Monday this week. We’re estimated late September/early October for completion.  We are so hopeful that we have scheduled a trail ribbon cutting ceremony for Oct 17, 2009. Stay tuned for details.

May 28th, 2009 – Bridge now in place. Due to traffic considerations on private Cascata Drive, bridge was set in place over night May 27 -28, 2009. Bridge is 163 -ft long. This is truly a milestone in the completion of the River Mountians Loop Trail. The paved section from the Bridge to Railroad Pass Hotel is still several weeks from completion. 

RMLT Bridge #5 installed Zupanic photo 52809

Bridge Facts:  It is 163-ft. long & 14-ft wide between trusses

• Built by Contech Bridge Solutions (formerly Continental Bridge) 
• Contractors bid amount for bridge $240,000
• Concrete Bridge abutments cost $58,000
• Bridge is a free span steel, model H1-SQ, fabricated from self-weathering atmospheric corrosion resistant steel
• Bridge will have a lightweight concrete deck

May 27th, 2009 - BRIDGE READY TO BE PLACED TODAY. CHECK IT OUT…..HOPE TO HAVE PHOTOS POSTED BY DAYS END. 

Photos by Jim Holland

 

 April 13th, 2009 – The long awaited Boulder City Trail bridge for segment #5 has arrived on the job site. The footings are still being placed, but the bridge is here. The bridge is required to span the gap across the private Cascata Golf course road and will be placed just north of the railroad bridge .  No date has been set for the placement, but you’ll see and hear about it here. 

 

RMLT #5 Bridge 150-ft arrives

April 20th, 2009 – The other great news regarding Boulder City’s portion of the RMLT is they have advertised for bids on trail segments 3 & 4 with bids due on May 7th, 2009. This means we/they could be under construction on their last trail segments by mid-June or  at least by July 1st, 2009 .

We are slowly closing the loop on a 12+ year trail project which will connect and link the cities of Southern Nevada to Lake Mead National Recreation Area and Hoover Dam.  The River Mountains Loop Trail will become a national destination trail system.

April 29th, 2009 – RMLT field trip to Segment #5 bridge abuttments. Nice walk with great views of Eldorado Valley,  River Mountains and wild flowers along the way.

SEg. #5 bridge abuttment 42909 163-ft. bridge May 28,2009 Holland photo

 

Gallery of photos:

B.C. Bridge concrete curing 8-08-09

RMLT #5 Bridge Lift zupanic photo 52709

RMLT Bridge #5 installed Zupanic photo 52809

RMLT Bridge street view May 28, 2009 Holland photo

163-ft. bridge May 28,2009 Holland photo

Ped. Bridge ready to set 52709

SEg. #5 bridge abuttment 42909

RMLT #5 Bridge 150-ft arrives

RMLT #5 Bridge night lift zupanic 52709

RMLT #5 Bridge north view zupanic photo 52809

RMLT #5 long view west Zupanic photo 52809

Retaining wall work near Railroad Pass 62909

RMLT # 5 Retaining wall ar RR Tracks crossing 71409

Retaining Wall at Railroad crossing 71409

RMLT #5 paved to Railroad Pass Casino 72309 Garys photo

RMLT#5 pavement crosses Railroad wst of bridge 72309

RMLT #5 paved to Railroad Pass Casino 72309

rmlt #5 Bridge Decking poured 8-06-09

RMLT #5 Bridge Lift zupanic photo 52709

RMLT #5 paved to Railroad Pass Casino 72309 Garys photo

 

RMLT#5 pavement crosses Railroad wst of bridge 72309

Three Kids Mine site along Trail

Jan.29th, 2009   Three Kids Mine is part of Southern Nevada’s mining history. It is locate near Lake Las Vegas at trail mile marker 9.0 to 10.5.  There are several deep open pit mines where manganese ore was mined then processed in a mill on site. Mining was activity from around 1917 until the plant was closed in 1961. The site has sat idle for 48 years. It was used in two movies over the years and has been an eyesore for most of the 48-yrs.  Plans are now afoot to clean up the area and turn it into a master planned development of some 1250+ acres.  The development is currently known as “Lakemoor Canyons”.  The project is in the planning, review, approval stage and will require many permits. The actual clean up of the site is about 12 months out if all goes well.

Three kids Mine Unger/RJ photo

History:

The following is an except out of the Review Journal dated May 12, 2005. The article is written by A.D. Hopkins and talks about the Merle Frehner family history….
During World War I the Three Kids Mine, the remains of which are visible southeast of Sunrise Mountain, was producing manganese ore. Harry (Frehner) hauled the ore to the Las Vegas rail yards behind a 10-horse team pulling three heavy-duty freight wagons and a feed cart, hooked one behind the other. “When reaching the east end of Fremont Street, Harry drove straight up the center to the depot, then south to an unloading platform. Crowds of people would line the sidewalks to watch the long outfit go up the street.”  This would have been between 1914 and 1918.

The following notes and statements come from an article printed in the “MINING CONGRESS JOURNAL dated October 1944….”The three Kids Mine near Las Vegas, owned by the Manganese Ore Company, wholly-owned subsidiary of The M.A. Hanna Company, has proved to be the largest open pit deposit of good grade manganese ore available in America, Vice President M.C. Lake of the ore company said in a recent statement.”

The millling plant next to the mine was owned and operated by the Defense Plant Corporation and as of this writing had produced several thousand tons of high grade manganese nodules. The plant had not yet reached full production according to the article.

Other items of interest from the article are: 1.) Part of the process involved leaching a processing pulp …”in a series of seven thickeners, the first two of which are acid-proof construction and 250 feet in diameter, thus making them the largest acid-proof thickeners ever constructed.” 2.)The “manganese sulphate salt which is roasted in a rotary kiln 360-ft. long and 11ft 3 inches in diameter, to yield a calcine of Manganese oxide and sulpher dioxide gas.”
The article from the Mining Congress Journal also had multiple photos of operations at the mine….Steam shovel loading dump trucks;beginning of the open pit mine operation; Drilling being done by churn drills and rock drills; mining pit with stock piles of ore and mill.

Movies:
Do you know the names of the two Hollywood Movie productions that took place at Three Kids Mine????

The first one I’m still researching. It was filmed after 1961 and involved the blowing up of the mill/plant during filming. I’m told it was in the early 1970’s? Does anyone know…please help me out.

The second film/movie was released February 5, 1987. It was shot entirely on location in southern Nevada. A major battle scene and shoot out occured at the Three Kids Mine site. The name of the movie is “CHERRY 2000″ – a 1987 science fiction cult film starring Melanie Griffith and David Andrews. My personal review of movie would make it a “B” movie, acting was not so hot, plot was ?; but the scenery of Southern Nevada was great. The Three Kids Mine shots show some of the remaining structures from the mining days. The big 250-ft concrete thickeners look like alien structures in the film. The movie pops up every now and again on HBO, don’t waste your money renting a DVD.

Cherry 2000 Movie Poster 1987

The River Mountains Loop Trail:

The trail will front the Three Kids Mine site along the south side of Lake Mead Parkway from the tunnel underpass east to the commercial buildings. At this location the trail will cross to the north side via a tunnel and then follow the BMI waterline right-of-way east for about one mile. The trail will pass under Lake Mead Parkway at the far eastern edge of the Lake moor Canyons development.  This trail alignment is currently under design. We expect completion by end of 2009.

 

 

Loop Trail project brings biologist to town to help protect desert tortoises

Great Article in todays Boulder city View about trail construction of Segment #5 of the River Mountians Loop Trail.  Good discussion about desert tortoises.  This was an unbudgeted expense for the construction, but necessary.

follow this link to the entire article:

http://www.viewnews.com/2008/VIEW-Dec-23-Tue 2008/BoulderCity/25843818.html

Detention Basin Construction Impacts Trail

May 5th -2009 – It was noted during a safety tour of trail in Henderson that the tortiose fencing discussed below has been moved back from the trail where it is no long a safety issue.  The truck crossing now has stop signs up and there are lots of trucks hauling gravel on an hourly basis so beware.

March 2, 2009 - Over the last week or so fencing has gone up along the trail for about 100-yards. BEWARE this could be a safety issue. We are working through the City and the contractor to be sure all safety measures are in place. The tortiose fencing has also blocked off an ATV off-road vehicle path to the foothills which has been pushing them on to the trail. Please notify HPD if you see this happening at 267-5000(option #1 – give description and direction).

Tortoise fence edge of trail 2/09

January 20th, 2009 - A brief update. At last weeks Planning Commission meeting the variance was approved to allow the rock crushing operation to move ahead. Commissioners found it less of an impact to crush on site than remove material through the neighborhoods.  Rock crushing activity to start Feb. and last up to 18 months.  My hope is they are good neighbors for the trail and its users. Lets keep our eyes open…

December 10th, 2008 - Starting week of 12/15/08 construction equipment will start arriving and setting up for the construction of Henderson’s Northeast C-1 Detention Basin located just east of the trail in the foothills of the River Mountains. Construction activity will be near mile marker 6.5 and 7.0.   The contruction period is for 15 months or until about March 2010.  “So beware of equipment crossing the trail and rocks on the trail”

The contractor is “Capriati Construction Corp.”  Along with the detention basin there will be a rock crusher on site processing aggregate for the work. Per maps available from the City a channel will run along the foothills east of the trail to collect run-off from the mountains sending it to the detention basin; from there an outfall will go under the trail in undergo round pipes to the C-1 channel following the Ithica St. alignment.  Ithica St. is supposed to be the ingress/egress access for this project.

The project manager for the City Public Works assures us that they will keep the area watered down for dust and will clear the trail daily of any rocks.  If problems develop or the trail deteriorates please let us know by calling either 267-4050 or 365-2191.

 

Detention basin Map 2008

Trail Entry from a road – Good example by NPS

Photo says it all, good signs, gate, bollards, and rock