Historic Ground Breaking Tuesday For Lake Havasu’s Freedom Bridge

By Becky Maxedon

History was made in Lake Havasu City Tuesday when ground was broken for the construction of a second bridge connecting the Island with the mainland.

Discussion and planning for a second bridge has been going on for decades and now, it will be a reality.

Mayor Cal Sheehy addressed the crowd gathered for the ground breaking.

“This is an historic day for Lake Havasu City. Fifty-five years ago, the London Bridge was dedicated. … The city celebrated the building of a bridge. Today, we celebrated the beginning of another,” Sheehy said.

He continued, “Each generation has an obligation to build upon what has come before us. Freedom Bridge is a lasting way to honor the service and sacrifice of those who have served our country by giving a name to something that will serve our community far into the future.

“The London Bridge tells the story of where we’ve been, the Freedom Bridge tells the story of where we’re going.”

Many dignitaries and elected officials were present for the ground breaking.

Congressman Paul Gosar told those gathered, “This is more than just building a bridge. It’s about saving lives, protecting families and making Lake Havasu safer.

“For years, London Bridge has been the Island’s only connection to the mainland. In an emergency, one way in and one way out simply doesn’t cut it.”

Scott Jones, of Ames Construction (the company building the bridge) gave a synopsis of the work that has been done and a schedule for the project itself.

“This is an 18 month construction schedule. Ames Construction has built over 250 bridges in Arizona so you’re in good hands as far as construction goes. 

“You’re probably going to see the biggest cranes in this town you have ever seen. We are looking at June to see first girders coming in.”

Completion is slated for April of 2028.

” The Freedom Avenue which is the city street leading up to the bridge  will be 48 feet wide, two 12 foot lanes on each side. The length of Freedom Avenue from the bridge to McCulloch is approxamitely 1/4 mile, and then from the mainland side to bridge is .36 miles. And then the bridge itself is 42 feet wide, 12 ft. lanes, with a 10.5 foot wide multi-use path with concrete railing and guardrail. The bridge length is approxamitely 449 feet long and spans fifth of a mile.”

“The Freedom Bridge steel girders, they are 90 inches tall, about 7.6 ft girders. The abutment caps that the bridge will be sitting on will be 12 feet wide, 60 feet long, and four feet deep. Don’t want to forget the  multi-use path which will connect where the existing channel path ends. It will run underneath the bridge, go up along western side, State Park side, up to the bridge and cross over,” said Jason Hart.

Others who spoke at the groundbreaking included State Representative Leo Biasiucci, Mohave County Supervisor Sonny Borelli, Lake Havasu Public Works Director Ron Foggin, and Engineer of Record Jon Rowland. There were members of the Lake Havasu City City Council and many others.

Mayor Sheehy concluded his speech with “We are a community that is not afraid to think big, plan for the future and turn ambitious ideas into reality. Some day, people will drive across the Freedom Bridge without knowing about all the meetings, all the studies and work that it took to get us here.”