Bridge Services Project Highlight
Rope Access Bridge Inspection Team Completes First Inspection of Hoover Bypass Bridge
HDR Engineers and Ropeworks Bridge Inspection Team members Greg Mayer and Matt Waskiewicz collaborated to complete a post-construction baseline inspection of the new Colorado River Bridge.
Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge, Frank Huster photo
Officially named the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, the bridge is designed to carry traffic high over the Colorado River Canyon downstream of Hoover Dam. The 1,060 foot twin-rib concrete bridge opened November 2010.
The majority of the rope access inspection took place on the vertical columns and rib arch. The team used two articulated cranes called “snoopers” to reach anchor points for ropes on the underside of the bridge.
With the exception of the typical mechanical difficulties associated with using heavy equipment, the main challenge proved to be weathering the early autumn heat-wave which delivered temperatures up to 107F. The heat made ascending a collective 1000 feet per-day more physically demanding.
The Ropeworks and HDR teams were excited to have a role in getting this extraordinary project open to the public this year.