Spectacular Bridge to Provide Efficient Link Between Arizona and Nevada

Editors Update: For those TACH'ers who think that you can "see" this marvel by just driving over it are very wrong, because from the road this new wonder of the world structure looks and feels like every other ordinary overpass. The only way to appreciate the magnitude of the project is to walk across it as I did. As of October 22, 2010 there were no road signs directing drivers to the bridge parking area, which is located just before the Hoover Dam visitors center...so those of you who want to see it for themselves must use the Hoover Dam Visitors Center exit...it's worth the trip.

LAS VEGAS - September 20, 2010: The Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, which is scheduled to open in November, will add not only a more efficient route to Southern Nevada from Arizona, but it will also be a dramatic attraction for visitors.

According to research from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the Hoover Dam is one of the most-visited attractions by travelers to Las Vegas. Of the 14 percent of Las Vegas travelers visiting nearby attractions, more than half reported going to the dam.

Combined with the Hoover Dam, this area will be one of the most stunning views in the area. The architectural wonder spans 1,900 feet across the canyon and sits more than 900 feet above the Colorado River. The bridge is located 1,500 feet south of Hoover Dam. The bridge will provide a more direct route for U.S. Highway 93 over the canyon and relieve Hoover Dam of traffic congestion.

This bridge is also a first step in the proposed Interstate Highway 11 between Phoenix and Las Vegas - the two largest U.S. metropolitan areas not currently connected by the Interstate Highway system.

The bridge is scheduled to be completed in October and open to traffic in early November. A dedication ceremony is scheduled for early October, shortly after the 75th anniversary of President Franklin Roosevelt's dedication of Hoover Dam.

The $240 million bridge is being constructed with a combination of federal and state funds. The federal government committed $100 million and Arizona and Nevada each committed $20 million. The remaining $100 million came from state bonds, of which more than $93 million have been repaid.

The bridge is named for two prominent area citizens: Mike O'Callaghan was a former Nevada Governor, longtime community leader and area businessman. O'Callaghan was a long-time resident of Southern Nevada and a strong advocate for the area. He passed away in 2004 at the age of 74.

Pat Tillman was a standout student and athlete at Arizona State University and played professional football for the Arizona Cardinals before electing to join the Army after the events of 9/11. He was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2004 at the age of 27.

UPDATE: OPENING DAY VIDEO

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For more information, visit www.HooverDamBypass.org.