The project was an inconvenient and intense time for area residents and motorists, Montoya conceded, but he expressed his thanks for the public patience as crews worked to complete the project.

For each structure a self-propelled modular transport system was used to carry the 2 million- to 3 million-pound structures from the bridge farm to their location. Once at the gap crew members welded skid shoes, a transport tool that pushed and pulled the bridge across a launching beam until it met a set of lift jacks. From the lift jacks the bridge was lowered to its final position.

"In the beginning there was a lot to get used to," Theis said. "The project has gone good though; you can see the difference from bridge one till now. Everyone got used to the process."

During every move members of the public gathered around the edges of the construction site to watch crews transport and place the massive structures. Virgil Blackwash of Salt Lake City, who is retired, said he attended every move and has pictures to prove it. He said he has been fascinated with "stuff" like this since he was a child and was glad he had the time to witness it all.

"These kids have been workin' their butts off," Blackwash said. "It's been pretty neat to watch. I think (the crews) did a hell of a job ... they worked hard; a lot of hours went into getting this done."

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E-mail: cnorlen@desnews.com