The Hualapai Tribe began rolling its million-pound Skywalk over the edge of the Grand Canyon on Tuesday and plans to finish the job today.

When complete, the glass-bottom walkway will jut 70 feet beyond the Canyon’s West Rim. Tourists who pay $74.95, strap booties over their shoes and walk across the U-shaped lookout will see the Canyon beneath their feet, an unprecedented view.

A VIP event is set for March 20 and the public grand opening March 28.

Crews assembled the Skywalk out of steel and glass on the Hualapai Reservation, 253 miles northwest of Phoenix. They jacked it several inches above ground, placed it on a concrete runway and began wheeling it over the Canyon’s lip. The tribe says the drop-off is 4,000 feet.

Daniel Kay, a public relations account executive for the project, said the job would be 30 percent complete by sunrise.

Stephanie Paterik The Arizona Republic Mar. 7, 2007 12:00 AM