Most explanations of this huge project were of technical nature that would be very boring to read. Suffice to say, I wouldn't want any of the three major jobs they showed in this episode, but the workers pictured here all love their work. It's backbreaking, in some cases, and dangerous in many phases.
For those of us not living in the Oakland-San Francisco area, this bridge is still pretty famous thanks to earthquake in 1989. This was the bridge shown to millions of people worldwide that collapsed in a few spots, when the earthquake hit during the World Series. A month later, it was reopened for traffic but, with a warning that this could easily happen again in 20 years, a new bridge was planned. They are working on it now and expect it to be finished by 2010. At least, that is what was stated in this 2004 episode.
This program showed how the support piles are being placed in the bay. The roadwork will be done when all 18 of these huge structures are completed. To make this and put them in place requires pile drivers, iron workers and welders. Each segment of this hour-long program was devoted to one of the three groups. Also, an emphasis was put on one foreman and his two sons.
The workload involves astronomical figures when it comes to size and weight of the equipment and structures that are being built and put precisely in place. Many of the projects are filled with tension as one slip and lives could be lost and weeks cost on the job. When completed, this will be the biggest construction project in California history, it was stated here.
One memorable sight: the return of the one of the workers who lost four fingers on his hand in an accident and had two toes sewn on in place. He can't wait to get back to work. These are tough guys!
For those of us not living in the Oakland-San Francisco area, this bridge is still pretty famous thanks to earthquake in 1989. This was the bridge shown to millions of people worldwide that collapsed in a few spots, when the earthquake hit during the World Series. A month later, it was reopened for traffic but, with a warning that this could easily happen again in 20 years, a new bridge was planned. They are working on it now and expect it to be finished by 2010. At least, that is what was stated in this 2004 episode.
This program showed how the support piles are being placed in the bay. The roadwork will be done when all 18 of these huge structures are completed. To make this and put them in place requires pile drivers, iron workers and welders. Each segment of this hour-long program was devoted to one of the three groups. Also, an emphasis was put on one foreman and his two sons.
The workload involves astronomical figures when it comes to size and weight of the equipment and structures that are being built and put precisely in place. Many of the projects are filled with tension as one slip and lives could be lost and weeks cost on the job. When completed, this will be the biggest construction project in California history, it was stated here.
One memorable sight: the return of the one of the workers who lost four fingers on his hand in an accident and had two toes sewn on in place. He can't wait to get back to work. These are tough guys!
