Mike O’Callaghan – Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge
boulder city, nv
Discription:
An arch bridge for vehicles that spans the Colorado River between Nevada and Arizona. The 3.5-mile corridor includes 1.2 miles of approach roadway in Arizona, 2.1 miles of roadway in Nevada, and a 1,900-foot-long crossing of the Colorado River approximately 1,500 feet downstream of the dam.
Access to the bridge and to Hoover Dam carries many security and safety restrictions. It is suggested that visitors go to usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam/crossingguide before planning a visit. Pedestrians can walk on the bridge area designated as Memorial Bridge Plaza. There are numerous plaques, signs, and engravings in and around the plaza that tell the story of the construction and explain the backgrounds of the two men the bridge is named after. At the Nevada entrance, a circular bronze plaque contains this inscription:
“MIKE O’CALLAGHAN – PAT TILLMAN MEMORIAL BRIDGE
In memory of these men of heroic spirit who overcame adversity throughout their life journeys to help people along the way and inspire those yet to come, grateful Americans respectfully dedicate this monumental bridge. 14 October 2010. May all who cross the canyon on this memorial bridge travel their journeys with the strength and inspiration found in the high ideals and heroic deeds of these brave humble men.”
Responcible Organization/Individual:
Central Federal Lands Highway Division of the Federal Highway Administration.
Designed By:
HDR Inc., T.Y. Lin International and Jacobs Engineering (formerly Sverdup.)
Address:
27953, 28689 Great Basin Highway, Boulder City, 89005.
GPS Coordinates:
Hours Available
Ceremonies: no
History:
When Hoover Dam construction was completed in the 1930s, Nevada automotive traffic to and from Arizona (and vice-versa) required vehicles to cross over the main highway that runs over the dam. As years went by, increased business and visitor traffic regularly clogged up the road. Talk of a “Boulder City bypass” had been bandied around for many of those years. In addition to cost, another drawback was the fact that much tourist traffic would be routed around the town’s main street, and local business would suffer. Construction began in 2005. In 2010 the bridge became a reality, and business has suffered. Several businesses have had to close their doors since the bridge was built. The bridge is named for two veterans, one from Nevada and one from Arizona. As stated on one of the bridge memorials: “Mike O’Callaghan, 1929-2004. Sgt. USMC – Cpl USAF – Sgt USA – Governor of Nevada. Donal Neil “Mike” O’Callaghan was a devoted family man who honored God and country in lifelong service to the public. He practiced high standards of conduct, respect, and diligence in his civic work to improve life for ordinary people. Pat Tillman 1976-2004. Football athlete – #42ASU – #40 AZ Cardinals – Cpl USA. Patrick Daniel “Pat” Tillman was a loved son, brother, husband, and loyal friend who was willing to sacrifice fame, fortune, and his own life for his ideals. His family, friends fans, and nation lost Pat in military service to his country and brothers-in-arms.
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