Robert Halligan
| Robert W. Halligan | |
|---|---|
| Born |
1926 Albion, Nebraska |
| Died |
1999-02-15 San Rafael, California |
| Occupation | engineer, information officer |
| Known for | Waldo Tunnel |
Robert Halligan was an engineer and information officer of the California Department of Transportation. During his 45-year career there, he helped state Highway 24, and convinced CalTrans to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Bay Bridge by stringing lights on the cables of the suspension spans - a temporary change which later became permanent.
He was also known for his enthusiasm and showmanship: Known as a "walking museum of transportation lore", he moved from engineering to public affairs in the 1960s, where he arranged to have airplanes land on new freeways, orchestrated parades of covered wagons, and even antique car caravans, and high school bands. He was responsible for highway 280's designation as "The world's most beautiful freeway".
Waldo Tunnel
He is most remembered, though, for convincing the agency to paint a rainbow on the Waldo Tunnel, now named the Robin Williams Tunnel, which routes Highway 101 between San Rafael and the Golden Gate Bridge.
References
- "Robert W. Halligan". San Francisco Chronicle. February 18, 1999. Retrieved September 2, 2014.