One of the major construction projects that is of interest not only to Las Vegas locals, but nationally and internationally, is the Hoover Dam bypass project.  The project itself broke ground in 2005, but my photographic memories for purposes today begin in 2008.  The bridge is an architectural marvel and it is going to be very exciting to drive over the first time – which the news reports say should be in November 2010.  Additionally it has been reported the public should be able to walk over the bridge in addition to traffic.  It will provide an awesome view of the dam and of the surrounding canyon area.

The bridge is officially named the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge.  The namesakes represent important people from both sides of the bridge.  Mike O’Callaghan is a former Nevada governor and an editor at a Las Vegas based newspaper.  Pat Tillman was a member of the Arizona Cardinals, but gave that up to join the military after 9/11 and was unfortunately killed in Afghanistan.  The construction of the dam has been the subject of at least two TV documentaries run on the Discovery/Science Channel – Megabuilders and Build it Bigger with Danny Forster (I say at least because I think there is actually another one, but I cannot find any evidence to support that theory).  According to the official project website (http://www.hooverdambypass.org/) the bridge will span nearly 2000 feet and it will be the third highest bridge deck in the country – over 800 feet from the canyon.  The entire bypass, including the land based aspects of the project, will be 3.5 miles long.

The looming question for the local economy is how much the bypass will affect visitation to the Hoover Dam visitor’s center – which has yet to pay for itself. Also, how much commerce might spring up along the new route.  Only time will tell on this, but it will be an exciting day when traffic is finally diverted onto the new roads and bridge.

May 2008 ©320photography Nikon D300 ISO200 f/18 36mm 1/100th sec

May 2009 ©320photography Canon G10 ISO 80 f/4 6mm 1/800th sec

October 2009 ©320photography Canon G10 ISO200 f/8 6mm 1/500th sec

March 2010 ©320photography Canon G10 ISO80 f/4 9mm 1/320th sec

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