title: Robert Halligan
text: # Robert Halligan
  
  Robert W. Halligan (1926 – February 15, 1999) was an American 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".
  
  ## Robin Williams Tunnel
  
  Halligan is most remembered for convincing the agency to paint a rainbow on the Robin Williams Tunnel, on Highway 101 between Mill Valley and the Golden Gate Bridge, since he thought it would be nicer to welcome commuters driving back to the North Bay at the end of the day, when the highway planners were spending a lot of time thinking about the aesthetics and design of the roads in the 1960s and 70s.
  
  