Click image for slideshow...

The new Alcoa Highway pedestrian bridge was installed in Alcoa near the Municipal Building this morning. The U.S. 129/Alcoa Highway Bypass was closed at 4AM for the installation, and we arrived at the site a little after 5:30AM to observe.

The steel pedestrian bridge was constructed in Alabama and delivered to the site in four sections earlier this week. Two sections making up each end were then assembled into two halves and placed parallel to the highway alongside the north and southbound lanes.

This morning, the two halves were lifted into position across the highway, then joined and bolted together to complete the span. The entire structure was then lifted in one piece and placed on concrete piers on either side of the highway.

The span is 225 feet long and weighs 82 tons. More than 1200 bolts hold the sections together. Two massive cranes, one in each lane of the highway, lifted the structure using nylon straps. A third crane was used on one end to help maneuver the two sections together for final assembly.

The stars of the show were the riggers and crane operators. The experienced, efficient crews made it look effortless with no wasted motion. It was like watching a ballet.

What's even more amazing is that the bridge was assembled offsite and had to exactly match up to the concrete piers poured on each side of the highway. Each pier has two steel plates with four big bolts for mounting the bridge. It fit perfectly. Except maybe for a delicate adjustment made to one mounting using a sledgehammer.

The only drama involved some low power lines on the southbound side of the highway. The span had to be tilted up on the other end so it could be maneuvered in under the wires and then leveled to complete the placement. Riggers directed the crane operators who expertly guided it home, as onlookers broke out in applause.

About 25 residents came out to watch the operation, which took about six hours. The next steps are to pour a concrete walkway on the bridge structure, complete the concrete ramps going up to the bridge on both sides of the highway, and complete the greenway connections and trails. The rest of the work is expected to be complete by December.

PREVIOUSLY: Alcoa Highway pedestrian bridge groundbreaking