On Aug 3, 8:08?am, "Nancy Young" > wrote:
> "maxine in ri" > wrote
>
> > The real "joy" I've heard is that RI has the highest percentage of
> > problem bridges
> > of any state in the country. What fun. NOT.
>
> Around here they are replacing and repairing bridges continually.
> Lots of bridge work. But when you see those crazy numbers,
> you have to remember that a lot of bridges are spans we don't even
> think of, hardly realize we're on one ... little spans over little creeks,
> not even a bump in the road.
>
> Just saying that the news, as usual, is tossing around statistics to
> make everyone think the sky is falling, it's an issue but I've been
> reading about it seems forever, it's hardly been a big secret that
> bridge maintenance is not up to snuff. That's probably true anywhere
> in the world.
>
> I think the design of this particular bridge played a big role. 40 years
> is not old for a bridge.

More than mechanical design probably inferior grade steel. I'd bet my
bipee when/if the original specs are checked against what's actually
there they'll find a lesser grade of steel than what was called out...
likely not in error, more at typical construction project graft. The
powers that be covered it up then, ditto now.

Sheldon