Lake Havasu City marked a significant milestone Tuesday with the groundbreaking for the Freedom Bridge, which will establish a second connection between the Island and the mainland. This event culminated decades of discussion and planning for the crucial infrastructure project.
Mayor Cal Sheehy addressed the crowd gathered for the ceremony, reflecting on the city's history. He noted the occasion was an "historic day for Lake Havasu City," drawing a parallel to the dedication of the London Bridge 55 years prior. Mayor Sheehy emphasized the generational duty to build upon past achievements, stating the Freedom Bridge will honor the service and sacrifice of military personnel while serving the community well into the future. He conveyed that while the London Bridge tells the story of the city's past, the Freedom Bridge signifies its future direction.
Congressman Paul Gosar spoke to attendees, emphasizing that the project transcends mere construction. He highlighted its importance for "saving lives, protecting families and making Lake Havasu safer." Congressman Gosar underscored the existing vulnerability, noting that the London Bridge has long been the Island's sole connection to the mainland, an arrangement he described as inadequate for emergencies.
Scott Jones, representing Ames Construction, the company tasked with building the bridge, provided an overview of the work and project timeline. He informed the gathering that the construction schedule spans 18 months, assuring the community of Ames Construction's expertise, having built over 250 bridges in Arizona. Residents can anticipate seeing the largest cranes ever in Lake Havasu City, with the first girders expected to arrive in June.
Jason Hart provided specific details regarding the bridge and its associated infrastructure. Freedom Avenue, the city street leading to the bridge, will be 48 feet wide, incorporating two 12-foot lanes on each side. Its length is approximately 1/4 mile from the bridge to McCulloch and 0.36 miles from the mainland side to the bridge. The bridge itself will be 42 feet wide, featuring 12-foot lanes, alongside a 10.5-foot multi-use path equipped with concrete railing and a guardrail. The bridge's length is approximately 449 feet, spanning a fifth of a mile. The Freedom Bridge's steel girders will stand 90 inches (about 7.6 feet) tall. The abutment caps, on which the bridge will rest, will measure 12 feet wide, 60 feet long, and four feet deep. The multi-use path is designed to connect with the existing channel path, extending underneath the bridge, then ascending along the western, State Park side, and finally crossing over the new structure.
Many dignitaries and elected officials were present for the groundbreaking ceremony. Among those who addressed the gathering were State Representative Leo Biasiucci, Mohave County Supervisor Sonny Borelli, Lake Havasu Public Works Director Ron Foggin, and Engineer of Record Jon Rowland. Members of the Lake Havasu City City Council also attended, along with numerous other officials.
Mayor Sheehy concluded his speech by commending Lake Havasu City as a community not afraid "to think big, plan for the future and turn ambitious ideas into reality." He expressed a vision that someday, people will drive across the Freedom Bridge, perhaps unaware of the extensive meetings, studies, and work involved in bringing the project to fruition.
