If Tucson served as the backdrop for a monster movie, a giant metal rattlesnake that ravaged downtown would be an appropriate villain.
The true story behind the Rattlesnake Bridge - actual name: Broadway Bicycle/ Pedestrian Bridge - isn't quite as horrifying.
Allowing those without a vehicle to cross East Broadway west of Euclid Avenue, the tunnel boasts the face of a diamondback rattler with 11-foot-long fangs, lighted eyes and speakers that send a rattling sound reverberating throughout the translucent tunnel, which is painted with diamond shapes.
Passengers can imagine that they're either being eaten or regurgitated by the gigantic hollow reptile.
The bridge cost $2.47 million and was completed in May 2002 after being delayed when two trucks plowed into its support structures during construction in 2001.
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Local artist Simon Donovan came up with the concept for the bridge; TY Lin International designed it; and Hunter Contracting Co. handled construction.
The Federal Highway Administration granted it an Excellence in Highway Design award in 2002, and the American Public Works Association named the bridge the 2003 Public Works Project of the Year.
The Diamondback Bridge connects on a path to the $3.4 million Basket Bridge, which spans Euclid Avenue south of Broadway and was finished in 2007 as part of a pedestrian and bike path that extends to South Craycroft and East Golf Links roads.
Contact reporter Phil Villarreal at 573-4130 or pvillarreal@azstarnet.com
