Hoover Dam’s new bypass bridge

After eight long years and $240 million worth of work, a soaring 1,900-foot high bypass bridge is set to open 890 feet above the Colorado River by the Hoover Dam.

The bridge is expected to slash travel time along the main route between Phoenix and Las Vegas as motorists used to have to drive across the Hoover Dam and slow moving security checkpoints.

The bridge was dedicated to former Nevada Gov. Mike O’ Callaghan and former NFL player Pat Tillman, who quit the Arizona Cardinals to join the Army Rangers and died under friendly fire in Afghanistan.

According to the Transportation Department, it is the longest bridge built with concrete arches in the western
hemisphere. The arches
measure 1,060 feet.

Although the dam will remain a tourist attraction, visitors will no longer be allowed to use it to cross the border via car. The bridge will officially open next week.

Source: Associated Press