Expansion of Passenger Rail Service on Las Vegas Hoover Dam Route

By Blog


Published on: October 11, 2024, 05:54h.

Last updated on: October 11, 2024, 05:57h.

The return passenger train from Boulder City, NV to Henderson experienced a delay on Thursday that lasted for 89 years.

On Thursday, the Nevada Railroad Museum’s Union Pacific 844 becomes the first passenger train from Boulder City, Nev. to ever see the Las Vegas Strip. (Image: David Held)

At 5:30 p.m., a train left Boulder City carrying rail fans, museum volunteers, council members, and dignitaries to see the Las Vegas Strip from Henderson for the first time ever.

Museum director Christopher MacMahon expressed pride in achieving this milestone after years of effort in building a museum to preserve the state’s history.

Boulder Dash

The Boulder City Line, a 22-mile rail spur opened in 1931, was originally used to transport workers and materials for the Hoover Dam project.

The very first train enters Railroad Pass in 1931. The letters on the locomotive stand for Los Angeles and Salt Lake, the name of the Union-Pacific line that once ran through Las Vegas. (Image: UNLV Special Collections)

After the dam construction ended, passenger and freight services on the line were discontinued, but in 2001, tourist trains started running on a section of the track.

Off the Rails

A delay in reaching Henderson’s heart was caused by tracks being removed in 1998 for road expansion, hindering trips beyond 4.5 miles.

A turbine gets delivered via the Boulder City Line to the Hoover Dam sometime between 1931 and 1935. (Image: UNLV Special Collections)

With the construction of Interstate 11 in 2018, plans for reconnecting the line were realized, allowing Thursday’s trip to proceed.

After reaching Paradise Hills Drive, the crew celebrated, marking the completion of a long-awaited journey towards the Las Vegas Strip.

Future plans include dinner excursions and restoration of a dining car.

The crew of Union Pacific 844 celebrates reaching Paradise Hills Drive in Henderson. (Image: Jennifer MacMahon)

Sites Trained

Plans are in place to potentially extend trips further to Russell Road in Las Vegas, pending regulatory approvals and negotiations.

The Nevada State Railroad Museum currently offers train rides to the public on weekends, providing an opportunity to experience a piece of history. For more information, visit their website.



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