‘Bridging America’ event heralds opening, provides free access to public

The public is invited to capture its first close-up glimpse of the new Hoover Dam bypass bridge and an unprecedented view of the dam itself today during the Bridging America event.

Organizers initially launched a website and asked that people RSVP to the event. However, the RSVP function was quickly shut down. Whether or not you signed up for the event, you will be allowed to visit the bridge. Guests will not be asked for confirmation numbers or slips.

Buses will leave the Lake Mead Recreation Area frequently -- the first one departing at 7:30 a.m. -- and shuttle visitors down to the O'Callaghan-Tillman Memorial bridge. The event, which not only allows the public to walk across the traffic-free span, but offers video of the construction of the bridge and a Kids Zone, is from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Here are a few other important points about today's event:

■ The entry fee to the recreation area will be waived and the shuttles are free.

■ Guests who fall under the Americans with Disabilities Act can catch a shuttle from the Hacienda Hotel.

■ At least 15,000 people are expected.

■ The busiest time to head to the event is between 10 a.m. and noon.

■ Organizers say the shuttle travel time from the Lake Mead Recreation Area to the bridge is about a half-hour.

■ Portable restrooms will be available on the span.

■ No picnic baskets, coolers or backpacks will be allowed; bottled water will be available.

■ No pets are allowed.

■ Boulder City residents and guests of the Hacienda Hotel have asked if they can walk to the event; organizers said they will not permit guests to walk, they must take a shuttle.

■ You do not have to walk the entire span, and can mill about the bridge freely.

■ Today is the only day visitors will be able to see the view downstream; once the bridge opens, the only walkway will be on the Hoover Dam side.

■ After today, pedestrians will not be allowed to walk on the bridge until the roadway opens, which is expected to be the middle to end of next week.

■ The final shuttle will leave the bridge at 2 p.m.