Four one-hour programs detailing the history, human genius and hazards that went into major infrastructure projects in the U.S. are slated to air soon on Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) television stations. The series, titled "Great Projects: The Building of America," was financed in part with a grant from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).
The programs in the series include "Bridging New York," about the monumental bridges tying Manhattan to the world; "The Big Dig," the story of Boston’s Central Artery/Tunnel Project; "A Tale of Two Rivers," which shares the history of flood-control and irrigation work on the Colorado and Mississippi rivers; and "Electric Nation," telling how the genius of Thomas Edison and others helped America move from gas lighting to the electric power we use today.
"These programs are inspiring and tell a great story," said AASHTO Executive Director John Horsley. "Some of the obstacles these innovators faced were staggering, but they had the smarts and the will to bring us modern-day wonders of the world."
"Great Projects" is slated to air Wednesdays at 10 p.m. Eastern time on local PBS stations beginning July 3. Check your local listings.
