I recently mentioned I took a detour off the freeway last weekend to check out the progress of the new bridge. I must say it's a messy area to drive these days with all the construction and demolition of the existing roadways and buildings being torn down for future on-ramps and exits. And when I'm down on the bottom-lands, the one-ways, and through-traffic lanes are a bit confusing. Anyway, the bridge...it's supposedly going to be [once complete] the longest 'cable-stayed' bridge in the United States, and will mark the records as being the tallest point in South Texas (538 feet). It will be xeriscaped, have a walkway plus a bike path, etc. All at the cost of one billion dollars. Completion is scheduled to be 2020/2021.
As I took the detour, early Sunday morning with very little traffic, I pulled off and got out with my cellphone and snapped a few photos of the recent development. The photos really don't show the size of it all. My full sized car was dwarfed, I felt like an ant in the world of giants. In a couple photos take note of the traffic lights that are higher than a semi truck's cargo trailer is tall [average height of semi would be 14 feet] , and maybe you can get the perspective and depth of it all. Keep in mind that this is the land and not where it crosses over the ship channel which will be higher yet to allow cruise ships and super tankers to pass under to be able to dock at the port of entry.
source: The New Bridge Project dot Com
photo of completed bridge courtesy of Harbor Bridge Project
This is all amazing to me. The scope of it is mind boggling, and your photos convey the size well. The first picture is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThe first photo is a screenshot of things to come.
DeleteI get a little feeling of the enormous size of this bridge. It's an amazing feat of engineering. Hope it all goes without a hitch. :-)
ReplyDeleteAmazing, indeed. And to have it all come together when done & smooth traffic flow will be astonishing.
Deletegood job on giving us perspective of the height. it looks very much like our Sunshine Skyway here and i watched it built after the old one was knocked down.. a billion? yowsa
ReplyDeleteI've seen a lot of these bridges/style.
DeleteI simply cannot imagine such a structure. Your photos are exceptional, showing all kinds of angles and perspectives. Is bigger better?
ReplyDeleteI think, economically, bigger is better...taller ships will be able to get into our port.
DeleteWow, that is a monster and kind of nice that you can see it being built. Always kind of wondered how they did that. Cool that there will be provisions for pedestrians and bikers. That would be a terrific place to walk.
ReplyDeleteI'm not much for heights. Especially over water. But, living here on the coast I've become accustomed.
DeleteThat looks massive.
ReplyDeleteIt is...it WILL be!
DeleteI cannot imagine working on that...those heights would sure get to me. It will be interesting to watch the progress.
ReplyDeleteI hope to go back sometime & compare the progress.
DeleteWow that's some huge project. Mind boggling how they can build these
ReplyDeleteAnd have it all come together at the end...imagine the blueprints!
DeleteWow - that is a huge bridge with a huge price!
ReplyDeleteI know...mind boggling cost.
DeleteGood Grief what an piece of engineering marvel. It will surely be an interesting ride on it. Anni you sure did get some good photos. My B will love seeing this. Cable bridges are amazing.
ReplyDeleteHugs Cecilia
Oh, glad it will pique hubby's interest!
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