Building the Hoover Dam Bridge [Slide Show]

A photographic essay captures the construction of a 1,900-foot addition to the iconic American landmark

READY FOR ACTION: The bridge opened to traffic on October 19, 2010. Courtesy of Jamey Stillings (www.jameystillings.com)
GOING TO WORK:
Ten ironworkers climb the arch on the Nevada side to start their evening shifts. The $240-million construction of the four-lane bridge began in October 2003.

Courtesy of Jamey Stillings (www.jameystillings.com)
BIRDS-EYE VIEW: An aerial view of the canyon also shows Route 93 in the foreground. Courtesy of Jamey Stillings (www.jameystillings.com)
PEERING DOWN: This view from above the pylons looks down through the cables to the Arizona bridge deck. This is the first concrete-steel composite arch bridge in the U.S. Courtesy of Jamey Stillings (www.jameystillings.com)
Advertisement
SUPPORTING THE BRIDGE: This photograph shows temporary pylons on the Arizona side of the bridge, which held up cables that supported the two sections of the arch. Courtesy of Jamey Stillings (www.jameystillings.com)
CONNECT-THE-ARCH: In this downstream view from the dam, the high-line crane system seen here was used to transport materials and workers during construction. Courtesy of Jamey Stillings (www.jameystillings.com)