Rendering of Selected Bridge Type
Posted on 06/11/2003 10:48:26 AM PDT by chance33_98
Rendering of Selected Bridge Type
Feds Releasing More Money For Hoover Dam Bypass
(June 10 Update) -- The project has been spurred by the growth of Phoenix and Las Vegas over the past 20 years, the need to improve the trade route between Canada and Mexico -- and security concerns after the September 11, 2001, attacks. The US Department of Transportation will release another $6 million dollars for construction of the Hoover Dam bypass bridge on Wednesday.
The U.S. Department of Transportation tomorrow will release another $6 million dollars for construction of the Hoover Dam bypass bridge.
Senator Jon Kyl says that to date, the project has received half of the $234 million needed to complete the work on a new span over the Colorado River between Arizona and Nevada.
US 93, which passes over Hoover Dam, is the main route between Phoenix and Las Vegas.
Kyl says because the dam is a top target for terrorist attack, Highway 93 remains the only major roadway in the nation that still imposes strict traffic restrictions. (Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press.)
(June 9 Update) -- Work has started on a $234 million bypass for the Hoover Dam that will offer motorists a straight shot between Arizona and Nevada.
The project has been spurred by the growth of Phoenix and Las Vegas over the past 20 years, the need to improve the trade route between Canada and Mexico -- and security concerns after the September 11th, 2001, attacks. The bypass bridge is requiring the cooperation between the states, contractor partnerships and the federal government. State and trucking industry officials are hoping for $100 million in federal funds for the connecting bridge. Arizona's governor recently called the bridge a top priority for her state and said she has asked Nevada officials to help lobby Congress and President Bush. (Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press.)
(May 16) -- The Hoover Dam Bypass Project is gaining international attention. This week, the leaders of major construction companies from across the country, including Europe, are in town in preparation of bidding on the massive project.
The federal government's main man for the job is based in Colorado and spoke exclusively to Eyewitness News. The bypass project is more than just another transportation extension. The new bridge that will be built over the dam will be the largest concrete arch in the western hemisphere and the fourth largest in the world.
The bypass isn't expected to be complete until the fall of 2007, but the first of four parts is already underway. The freeway approach to the new bridge has begun on the Arizona side of the dam. In relative terms, the freeway part of the project may be the easiest. For even the most veteran engineers, constructing this new bridge will be a challenge.
"A bridge of this magnitude, with this level of technical difficulty truly requires a unique skill set," said Dave Zanetell, Hoover Dam project manager. Once complete, it will span 1,900 feet. By any measure it's a world-class bridge.
"One of the largest concrete arches in the world," said Zanetell. He is the Federal Highway Administration's Hoover Dam project manager. "The whole bypass, from beginning to end, is a challenging process," said Zanetell.
So challenging and unique that the government held a meeting in the San Remo Hotel to provide information and explanations to potential project bidders, like Tim Mulle, who says this project is like no other. "A lot of interest on a national level, because it's a signature bridge."
The bypass will be built in four phases. Phase one is underway now with work on the Arizona freeway approach. Phase two will be construction of the Nevada freeway. Phase three, the most difficult, will be the new Colorado bridge and Phase four is the asphalt paving of the entire overpass.
Though there was talk about making the bypass a toll-only road, that idea is now just water under the bridge. "The Hoover Dam bypass will not be a toll facility and it will just simply be a seamless piece of the state transportation system," said Zanetell.
A seamless section of road that will include a second engineering marvel, just 1,500 feet downstream, from the famous Hoover Dam.
"Yer not buildin' that here, nooope, nope, nope..."
Probably add tens of miles to the drive, for one thing. And the new road would probably cost more than the bridge.
The greater target of concern would always be the dam. Think what would happen if that dam were destroyed.
That said, realize that that dam is almost 600 feet tall and nearly as deep as it is wide and tall. One big cube of solid reinforced concrete. Think the ragheads could really bring that thing down?
Fly an airplane into and you'll get one hell of a plane crash; not much else.
The dam itself is a huge tourist attraction but we don't need the trucks coming through the city.
yitbos
I hear it's killing the Hacienda (formerly Gold Strike)
BTW, know anyone that wants to buy a nice double-wide in the Gingerwood Senior Community?
Fly an airplane into and you'll get one hell of a plane crash; not much else.
I've had an engineering tour of the dam and I'm still amazed. All analog, no project management, no computers, etc.
They brought a turbine on line for LA while I was in the control room. I cracked up at the 'Synch' guage on the wall as they matched the grid, but it got the job done. It was off a hair as they put it on the grid and the whole dam shuddered a bit. I doubt a 747 would have that much impact.
The larger issue with the feds would be the 'loss of face', if a terrorist managed to put a bit of a crater on the top.
I've had an engineering tour of the dam and I'm still amazed. All analog, no project management, no computers, etc.
It would take some rather difficult flying to crash into the Hoover Dam with a large airliner.
"Breaching the Dam" by Nicholas Trudgian
Thank goodness the Islamofascists don't have Dr. Barnes Walles on their side...
The bridge was actually built before the dam in order to make it easier to transport men and materials needed to contstruct the dam. It is a somewhat narrow bridge by modern standards and does not have a crash barrier between opposing lanes of traffic. Consequently the speed limit across that bridge is rather slow. It looks like the bridge that will be built downstream of the Hoover Dam will have at least two lanes in each direction with a crash barrier between opposing directions of traffic.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.