Existing comment:
Historic Navajo Bridge Dedicated June 14-15, 1929
The Vital Link:
When the Historic Navajo Bridge opened on January 12, 1929, Flagstaff's newspaper, the Coconino Sun, called it "the biggest news in Southwest history." It was the only bridge across the Colorado River for some 600 miles (965 km) and was a vital link in the first direct highway route between Arizona and Utah.
By easing access to this remote and rugged region, the bridge played a valuable and lasting role in transportation, commerce and tourism in northern Arizona and southern Utah.
A 500 Pound Shot!
When the historic Navajo Bridge was constructed in 1929, blasting the canyon walls was permitted.
"The closing of the two great halves of the arch bridging the Colorado River has marked a milestone in the history of highway construction in Arizona."
-- Ralph A Hoffman, State Bridge Engineer 1928
Ribbons of Steel:
The historic Navajo Bridge was constructed as two cantilevered arch halves, each extending 305 ft (94 m) over the gorge.
The Flagstaff side of the arch was erected first and took two months to complete. The Fredonia side of the arch was finished two and a half months later. The arch was closed on September 12, 1928.
Tale of the Tape:
At the time of its construction, the historic Navajo Bridge was the highest steel arch bridge in the world.
* Total length: 834 ft (254 m)
* Steel arch length: 616 ft (188 m)
* Arch rise: 90 ft (27.4 m)
* Height above the river: 467 ft (142 m)
* Width of the roadway: 18 ft (5.5 m)
* Amount of steel: 2.4 million lbs (1,689,000 kg)
* Amount of concrete: 500 cu yards (385 m)
* Amount of steel reinforcement: 82,000 lbs (37,000 kg)
* Construction cost: $390 thousand |