In An Engineering First The Grand Canyon Opens A Glass Skywalk

Described as an engineering first, rising 4,000ft (1,220m) from the canyon’s floor and 70ft (20m) beyond its rim, the new platform has been dubbed ‘the Skywalk.’

The site is owned by the Hualapai Indians who are hoping to attract visitors to the area, which has high levels of unemployment.

Andy Gallacher, from the BBC said: “For the majority, this is an investment that will bring much needed cash.”

Yet not all of the Hualapai Indians are embracing the Skywalk project with such enthusiasm.

Some tribal members say the new viewing platform is a ‘desecration of sacred ground.’

Dolores Honga, a tribal elder said: “When that Skywalk came about it hit me like I was being stabbed.”

Coupled with this there has also been concern from environmentalists about the effect the new glass bridge will have on one of the world’s greatest natural beauties.

The Skywalk’s construction has been in motion since March 2004 and will open to the public on 28 March.

The platform has been built to hold a capacity of 120 people at any one time.

The glass bridge will be able to withstand winds in excess of 100mph (161km/h), as well as an 8.0-magnitude earthquake within 50 miles (80.5km).

It is believed that former astronaut Edwin Aldrin will be among the first to experience the new walkway.

David Jin, a Las Vegas businessman, originally raised the money to build the Skywalk. However, the Hualapai tribe will be given the platform in exchange for a percentage of the profits gained from the tourist attraction