Hoover bypass opening delayed

Construction of the US$ 234 million Hoover Dam bypass (see iC March 2005) has been delayed following the collapse of a giant cableway system in 63 mph (100 km/h) winds. No one was hurt in the collapse, which happened on 15 September.

Although the collapse occurred during particularly high winds, investigators are yet to determine the exact cause, although metal fatigue has not been ruled out. As a result of the collapse, traffic along US Highway 93, which crosses the dam, has bee rerouted.

The 762 m cable, which was supported by two 100 m high towers, was used to deliver steel girders and pre-cast concrete sections during construction of the 597 m long, 26.8 m wide, US$ 114 million concrete deck arch bridge contract.

Designed to carry a maximum load of 50 tons (45.4 tonnes) of material over the Colorado River, the joint- venture of Obayashi Corporation and PSM Construction purchased the 42-year-old refurbished system from the American Bridge Company, and was key to the joint venture winning the project.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, work is likely to be delayed for “a couple of months”. The project is scheduled to finish in 2008 but is approximately four months behind schedule following a dispute over concrete suppliers.