Greatness Achieved

Although not directly working on the Hoover Bypass Bridge, as Deputy State Engineer, Rob was on the invite list to attend the Dedication Ceremony of the aptly named Mike O'Callaghan and Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge.  As the invitation shows, many dignitaries were present to dedicate the bridge and celebrate the many men and women who brought the bridge to fruition. 

Cover of the invitation

Inside of the invitation

We have attended freeway openings before but the magnitude of this particular event felt historic and one that shouldn't be missed.  So Rob and I drove from Phoenix to the Hoover Dam and arrived just before sunset.  We've been to the dam before, but witnessing the new bridge rising into the sky from the cliffsides was a sight to behold.  So, like tourists there for the first time, we snapped picture after picture.

Here is one of our first pictures.

Here is another picture, both taken from a parking lot up the hill from the dam.

Then we walked out onto the dam to get closer to the bridge.

And here is the Deputy representing ADOT greatness!

I thought a picture of this plaque was important, highlighting the achievement of the construction of the Hoover Dam many years ago as one of the seven engineering 'wonders of the United States.'  U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood went as far as to say the Hoover Bypass Bridge was an engineering 'wonder of the world.' 

Shortly after the sun set, Rob snapped a twilight picture of the dam.

Then it was off to the Hacienda Hotel, where all the engineers and contractors were staying.  After socializing, eating, and gambling, it was time to turn in for the night in anticipation of the event.  In the morning we boarded these buses to the bridge and chose to sit up top for the best (and scary) view of the Colorado River and the depths below.

Here is a view of the approach of the bridge

Remember that scary second story on the bus?  Here is my view of the river from my seat on the bus!

Here is a view of the dam from standing on the bridge.

Here we are in front of the bridge dedication sign.

And on the bridge near the railing!

I took a picture of this poster because I thought it was a quick explanation of the science and engineering that the bridge required.

The Nevada side of the bridge is named after a longtime politician, and the Arizona side is named after Pat Tillman.  Pat was a standout at ASU in football, and as a professional with the Arizona Cardinals.  After 9/11 he joined the Army, leaving a large NFL salary to serve and unfortunately die for his country.  His family was in attendance.  Here is his brother Kevin, and his father Pat Sr.

Kevin served in the Army along with his brother Pat.  Here he is again, a bit closer -

All in all it was a fantastic experience, one that makes engineers seem like rock stars.  Scratch that, they're not like rock stars, they ARE rock stars!