Glass Skywalk on the Grand Canyon

Summary:
Email with attached images provides information about a glass and steel skywalk that will jut out over the rim of the Grand Canyon (Full commentary below.)



Status:
True

Update:
December 2006 - Construction of the Grand Canyon Skywalk is making progress but is considerably behind schedule. The predicted opening date is now March, 2007. (See commentary for more information)

Example:(Submitted, October 2005)


Commentary:

The information contained in this forwarded email is factual. An amazing glass skywalk is indeed under construction at Grand Canyon West. The area where the skywalk is being constructed is owned and managed by the Hualapai tribe. When the skywalk eventually opens, it will be a featured attraction for travellers who visit the Hualapai Indian Reservation located on the canyon's western rim.

According to a MultiVu website article:

Visitors will be able to walk around the first-ever cantilever shaped glass bridge that will be suspended more than 4,000 feet above the Colorado River and extend over the edge of the Grand Canyon.

Update: December 2006

Unfortunately, construction of the Grand Canyon Skywalk has not gone smoothly. The project is now around a year behind schedule. Design changes, a change in contractors, and an insurance dispute are among the causes for the long delay. A December 14 article in The Arizona Republic notes:

The Skywalk was originally scheduled to open a year ago. But the horseshoe-shaped steel shell of the walkway still sits, waiting to be fitted with glass, rolled out over the Rim and bolted to the edge of the Canyon. Construction has not begun on an adjacent visitor center, restaurant and movie theater designed to cater to tourists.

There are also concerns regarding safety and insurance issues. In spite of the setbacks, however, significant progress has been made. Hopefully, the Grand Canyon Skywalk will be finished by the new estimated opening date of March 28th 2007 or not too long after.

References:
Questions surround Grand Canyon Skywalk
Hualapai Tribe
The Hualapai Nation Unveils All-New Destination Experience at Grand Canyon West
Destination Grand Canyon West: Grand Canyon Skywalk
Photo in the News: Grand Canyon to Get Glass Bridge
Glass skywalk to offer 'Grand' view of Canyon

Last updated: 15th December 2006
First published: October, 2005

Write-up by Brett M. Christensen