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opiate69

(10,129 posts)
Thu May 23, 2013, 10:34 PM May 2013

I-5 bridge over Skagit River collapses, cars with people in water

Source: King 5 News

Washington State Patrol confirms an I-5 bridge over the Skagit River has collapsed and at least two cars with people inside are in the water.

The incident has closed all northbound and southbound lanes.

KING 5 News crews are en route. More to follow.


Read more: http://www.king5.com/news/local/Report-I-5-bridge-collapses-over-Skagit-River-cars-in-water-208758631.html

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I-5 bridge over Skagit River collapses, cars with people in water (Original Post) opiate69 May 2013 OP
Austerity Wins Again! nt onehandle May 2013 #1
What has austerity got to do with a truck hitting a bridge. dipsydoodle May 2013 #86
Oh 'NO' ! One word: infrastructure. nt snappyturtle May 2013 #2
Apologies for the dark post, but at least our Congressional reps' flights weren't delayed... DRoseDARs May 2013 #3
and that bridge connects the towns of Mt. Vernon and Burlington. alp227 May 2013 #17
While many communities in western Washington are left leaning iemitsu May 2013 #54
More info here: Suich May 2013 #4
That;s frightening, Suich Ptah May 2013 #24
I'm fine...an hour south in Seattle. Suich May 2013 #27
Watching now. Apparently WA just got a "C" to "D" grad on infrastructure. nolabear May 2013 #5
Here's a pic Flying Squirrel May 2013 #6
reminds me of the one IA and WI are fighting over PatrynXX May 2013 #12
Congress must enjoy blood on their hands. SCVDem May 2013 #7
and I'm sure we're going to be hearing a lot more of this..... a kennedy May 2013 #8
Not just bridges - dams are in as bad if not worse shape ... SomeGuyInEagan May 2013 #31
Boeing took much of their business out of WA -- Evergreen Emerald May 2013 #77
shovel ready jobs that mean way more jobs than XL Pipeline destroys and PatrynXX May 2013 #9
We went through this in Minneapolis Lydia Leftcoast May 2013 #10
This is what happens when you spend money on war gopiscrap May 2013 #11
+1 n/t area51 May 2013 #70
Republicans will think of giving them a new bridge if they'll cut more funds for Rozlee May 2013 #13
How soon before we hear it is another Obama scandal? randr May 2013 #14
This is horrible. hunter May 2013 #15
The US infrastructure is falling apart, quickly n/t OhioChick May 2013 #16
Washington St. has no income tax. Their billionaires live free ErikJ May 2013 #18
But we pay very high sales taxes and property taxes golfguru May 2013 #33
I dont know about that-here's their debt clocks ErikJ May 2013 #37
Well....US federal gov't is the world champion debtor Outfit golfguru May 2013 #64
Our interstate system is the crown exboyfil May 2013 #19
If this had been taken out with a terroist bomb they would replace it with a "victory bridge". Spitfire of ATJ May 2013 #20
You do not use a bridge until it breaks Botany May 2013 #21
OK, interstate bridge collapses. Mr. Evil May 2013 #22
No, Westboro Baptist Church will say the bridge collapsed because of gay people davidpdx May 2013 #75
Deja vu all over again - The Velveteen Ocelot May 2013 #23
ASCE gives American infrastructure a D+ Kennah May 2013 #25
On TV here now, DOT says it's from the 50s. Our friends are checking in. nolabear May 2013 #26
2009: Mount Vernon awards Glenn Beck key to the city Newsjock May 2013 #28
I forgot about that. But to be fair it is really, really wonderful territory. nolabear May 2013 #29
We used to go up there every year for the tulips wickerwoman May 2013 #69
the author Tom Robbins lives in that area. dixiegrrrrl May 2013 #78
My daughter and son-in-law in Bellingham are headed to OR today for the weekend. classof56 May 2013 #84
Maybe the Koch brothers will rebuild it kairos12 May 2013 #30
ya...right SoapBox May 2013 #45
We have money to gift Pakistan Billions every year but not for infrastructure! golfguru May 2013 #32
Thank you, Ronald Reagan, Grover Norquist, Stupid Warpy May 2013 #34
just heard truck with wide load caused bridge to collapse chknltl May 2013 #35
KFI in L.A. reporting the same. WestStar May 2013 #39
KOMO AM 1000 is trying to confirm chknltl May 2013 #41
I heard that too! PearliePoo2 May 2013 #50
That design is strong, but like a pop can. AtheistCrusader May 2013 #58
oh man, that`ll add a bunch of wrinkles to the situation.. opiate69 May 2013 #40
not yet. i have horrible internet connection on smart phone, radio not much better and no tv. chknltl May 2013 #44
quasi confirmation:. witness followed oversized load almost to bridge chknltl May 2013 #47
"Confirmed no fatalities".. if that's the case, then excellent news.... opiate69 May 2013 #49
@CBSNews: UPDATE: No fatalities in I-5 bridge collapse in NW Wash.; 3 rescued http://t.co/5MK4CuAqg Hissyspit May 2013 #53
Watching local news and they are saying 3 in the drink and all removed. Whew but argh uppityperson May 2013 #56
A well maintained bridge shouldn't fail because of a wayward truck load daleo May 2013 #43
KOMO AM 1000 just had an expert on, bridge built 1955 considered obsolete but functional. chknltl May 2013 #51
A bridge of that design will. AtheistCrusader May 2013 #59
That is very likely the case here accdg to KOMO AM 1000 chknltl May 2013 #63
Maintenance was not the problem, design flaw was the problem golfguru May 2013 #67
A modern bridge of that type would do exactly that. AtheistCrusader May 2013 #73
@BreakingNews: Witnesses say truck struck I-5 bridge in Washington state before collapse - @KING5Sea Hissyspit May 2013 #46
This country is falling apart because of GOP gridlock.... Historic NY May 2013 #36
Wow. I used to live up there in Burlington and crossed that bridge almost daily. totodeinhere May 2013 #38
Never forget who has blood on their hands over this Harry Monroe May 2013 #42
Our worst home-grown terrorists are the GOP. freshwest May 2013 #87
Truck hits bridge? SCVDem May 2013 #48
This was an oversized load. AtheistCrusader May 2013 #60
So much for that jobs bill President Obama wanted to repair Cleita May 2013 #52
Sadly, No Surprise colsohlibgal May 2013 #55
Map of where it is (Skagit is pronounced Skadjit, not skag-it) uppityperson May 2013 #57
I like hearing out-of-towners try to pronounce 'Puyallup' too. :D AtheistCrusader May 2013 #61
that, and Sequim lol opiate69 May 2013 #62
I've been over that bridge. mahatmakanejeeves May 2013 #76
It's been my experience that few even try. chknltl May 2013 #66
I hear some have trouble with Snoqualmie and Puget Sound too.. lol Flying Squirrel May 2013 #71
I have lived here almost ten years marlakay May 2013 #83
Having come from the South I thought "Isn't that 'Pull-y'all up'?" LOL! nolabear May 2013 #81
Google maps is already updated?!?!?!? ManiacJoe May 2013 #74
How many Walmart trucks drove over that bridge while the Waltons fight to pay fewer taxes? grahamhgreen May 2013 #65
The bridge is not considered structurally deficient but is listed as being "functionally obsolete" jakeXT May 2013 #68
BBC News - pictures here dipsydoodle May 2013 #72
But nobody could have foreseen that an old decrepit unmaintained bridge.... aw crap! AAO May 2013 #79
Bridge maintenence was fine. AtheistCrusader May 2013 #80
Obsolete design is a sign of poor infrastructure maintenance in a system wide sense daleo May 2013 #82
Daughter's boyfriend worked at the car dealership just west revolution breeze May 2013 #85
 

DRoseDARs

(6,810 posts)
3. Apologies for the dark post, but at least our Congressional reps' flights weren't delayed...
Thu May 23, 2013, 10:40 PM
May 2013

Fuck the little people and their dangerously underfunded, crumbling infrastructure. Rep. Porker (R-Teafuckerstan) had a tee-time of 8am the next day, very important. Your bridge repairs can wait...

alp227

(31,960 posts)
17. and that bridge connects the towns of Mt. Vernon and Burlington.
Thu May 23, 2013, 10:58 PM
May 2013

GLENN BECK once lived in Vernon. But the bridge is divided between the 1st and 2nd WA congressional districts - represented by Democrats: Suzan DelBene (WA-1) and Rick Larsen (WA-2). The bridge is also in the 40th state legislative district - all with Democrats. Hmm. This area is a left leaning one even though Beck once lived there. I'm sure the elected officials there will passionately take action in response. But under the speakership of Boehner, expect more gridlock and politicking.

iemitsu

(3,888 posts)
54. While many communities in western Washington are left leaning
Fri May 24, 2013, 12:58 AM
May 2013

Mt Vernon and Burlington are not among them. I have many relatives in that valley and I spent my youthful summers enslaved on a dairy farm in the area. I can attest from personal experience that the people there are not liberal. Bellingham citizens elected DelBone and Larsen was elected by suburban commuters, who live in Arlington and work in Seattle.
This event will cause terrible traffic headaches on I-5 for months to come. There is no easy alternate route.

Suich

(10,642 posts)
27. I'm fine...an hour south in Seattle.
Thu May 23, 2013, 11:22 PM
May 2013

Some Canadian relatives left their car here Wed. and flew to San Francisco. They're coming back Tuesday and going home on Wed. I don't think I'll tell them.

nolabear

(41,915 posts)
5. Watching now. Apparently WA just got a "C" to "D" grad on infrastructure.
Thu May 23, 2013, 10:42 PM
May 2013

I've been on that bridge many times. Hope everyone gets out of the water. Jeez.

 

Flying Squirrel

(3,041 posts)
6. Here's a pic
Thu May 23, 2013, 10:47 PM
May 2013


Right in my neck of the woods... been over that bridge many a time. $ for crumbling infrastructure? Nope... $ for endless war? YEP

PatrynXX

(5,668 posts)
12. reminds me of the one IA and WI are fighting over
Thu May 23, 2013, 10:54 PM
May 2013

Two republican Gov's neither will pay (near Lansing IA) to close that bridge would kill the town...


 

SCVDem

(5,103 posts)
7. Congress must enjoy blood on their hands.
Thu May 23, 2013, 10:47 PM
May 2013

These infrastructure failures are unnecessary and the Presidents bill is sitting there waiting for action!

a kennedy

(29,462 posts)
8. and I'm sure we're going to be hearing a lot more of this.....
Thu May 23, 2013, 10:48 PM
May 2013

all bridges all over the country are in terrible shape....this is only the beginning.

Evergreen Emerald

(13,069 posts)
77. Boeing took much of their business out of WA --
Fri May 24, 2013, 09:06 AM
May 2013

Because WA asked them to pay their fair share of taxes.

Individual citizens across the US are paying taxes. The corporations need to take a bit out of the millions given to CEO bonuses and pay taxes to assist in the infrastructure that keeps them in business.

PatrynXX

(5,668 posts)
9. shovel ready jobs that mean way more jobs than XL Pipeline destroys and
Thu May 23, 2013, 10:50 PM
May 2013

another bridge collapses. zzzz which costs alot of money to fix. Dumb shits.

gopiscrap

(23,674 posts)
11. This is what happens when you spend money on war
Thu May 23, 2013, 10:52 PM
May 2013

and not on infrastructure and people. I have been over that bridge many times. Hope every one is ok.

Rozlee

(2,529 posts)
13. Republicans will think of giving them a new bridge if they'll cut more funds for
Thu May 23, 2013, 10:54 PM
May 2013

Medicare or child nutrition. It's how it works in this brave new heartless world run by the Republican controlled House.

 

golfguru

(4,987 posts)
33. But we pay very high sales taxes and property taxes
Thu May 23, 2013, 11:32 PM
May 2013

and we are doing better than Oregon who has state income tax.

 

golfguru

(4,987 posts)
64. Well....US federal gov't is the world champion debtor Outfit
Fri May 24, 2013, 02:18 AM
May 2013

Check unemployment rates, no. of jobs being created, economic output/capita,
performance of students, etc. which are better indications than debt clock.

Botany

(70,289 posts)
21. You do not use a bridge until it breaks
Thu May 23, 2013, 11:05 PM
May 2013


BTW this kind of repair and upkeep used to be paid for out of
the taxes we pay when we buy gasoline but then repugs got some
power and everything has gone batshit crazy.

Mr. Evil

(2,746 posts)
22. OK, interstate bridge collapses.
Thu May 23, 2013, 11:09 PM
May 2013

Time to give more money to Wall Street. And Pat Robertson will probably say the bridge was gay.

davidpdx

(22,000 posts)
75. No, Westboro Baptist Church will say the bridge collapsed because of gay people
Fri May 24, 2013, 07:15 AM
May 2013

They are so predictable you know it's coming.

Kennah

(14,115 posts)
25. ASCE gives American infrastructure a D+
Thu May 23, 2013, 11:16 PM
May 2013
http://www.infrastructurereportcard.org/

The really scary part is that bridges and rail are tied with a C+ and the 2nd best grade.

Solid waste gets a B-, and while I'm sure there's a joke there, I just hope all are OK.

Newsjock

(11,733 posts)
28. 2009: Mount Vernon awards Glenn Beck key to the city
Thu May 23, 2013, 11:23 PM
May 2013
http://www.komonews.com/news/local/56662302.html
September 2009

The mayor of Mount Vernon has made it official. Mayor Bud Norris says he will give the key to his city to conservative talk show host Glenn Beck on September 26.

Norris says Beck will deliver a short talk that night and become the first person to receive a key to the city in the six years Norris has been mayor.

Protesters from the Skagit County Young Democrats walked outside city hall Tuesday with protest signs, one reading "Change the locks!"

nolabear

(41,915 posts)
29. I forgot about that. But to be fair it is really, really wonderful territory.
Thu May 23, 2013, 11:27 PM
May 2013

I've had some of the best times ever at the Skagit River Poetry Festival, which is one of the country's best. And a lot of that land is reservation, though the bridge isn't on rez land.

wickerwoman

(5,662 posts)
69. We used to go up there every year for the tulips
Fri May 24, 2013, 03:48 AM
May 2013


I'd say it's rural but not that right-wing.

Where's that jackass Tim Eyman from? (Answered my own question- born in Yakima, lives in Mukilteo)

dixiegrrrrl

(60,010 posts)
78. the author Tom Robbins lives in that area.
Fri May 24, 2013, 09:15 AM
May 2013

and the Skagit valley is a lovely drive, plus the only way to get to Bellingham from Whidbey Island without taking a ferry.

Bridge out means a LOT of long slow drives on cingested 2 lane roads.

classof56

(5,376 posts)
84. My daughter and son-in-law in Bellingham are headed to OR today for the weekend.
Fri May 24, 2013, 02:56 PM
May 2013

Talked to her this a.m. and she mentioned Chuckanut Drive as the detour, which in spots is much like Hwy 1 on the CA coast, narrow and winding. Guess we'll see them when we see them. Looking at the collapsed bridge, guess we can be grateful it wasn't worse. WADOT may want to reassess their bridge deficiency list, which didn't include the Skagit.

Didn't know Tom Robbins is a local. Don't blame him. Gorgeous country up that way!



SoapBox

(18,791 posts)
45. ya...right
Fri May 24, 2013, 12:10 AM
May 2013

and the TeaPukers won't invade and take over any more sovereign nations.

Hope no one got seriously injured.

 

golfguru

(4,987 posts)
32. We have money to gift Pakistan Billions every year but not for infrastructure!
Thu May 23, 2013, 11:30 PM
May 2013

Why we protect oil lanes through straits of Hormuz from which most oil
flows to China & Japan with borrowed money from them?

Warpy

(110,900 posts)
34. Thank you, Ronald Reagan, Grover Norquist, Stupid
Thu May 23, 2013, 11:35 PM
May 2013

because your skewed tax policies have allowed the wealthy to avoid supporting the country and that has meant a lack of money to repair and replace our infrastructure when needed.

I don't even think this was one of the more dangerous, under maintained bridges cited. However, I5 is the major truck route along the west coast, Canada to San Diego, so a lot of people up north will be doing without veg and a lot of people to the south can kiss their fish dinners goodbye.

chknltl

(10,558 posts)
35. just heard truck with wide load caused bridge to collapse
Thu May 23, 2013, 11:35 PM
May 2013

Caller on AM 1000 was the truck driver. Said he saw his load hit one of the girders which started the collapse.

chknltl

(10,558 posts)
41. KOMO AM 1000 is trying to confirm
Thu May 23, 2013, 11:57 PM
May 2013

I listened in as that caller called in. He said he felt the hit as his load struck one of the overhead girders. When he looked in his rearview he saw the girder come down and that started the collapse. This call was about ten minutes ago. KOMO is trying to confirm this still.

PearliePoo2

(7,768 posts)
50. I heard that too!
Fri May 24, 2013, 12:37 AM
May 2013

But you have to wonder if a girder was hit, should it cause the entire bridge to collapse?
Infrastructure people!
I've been over that bridge more times that I can count!

AtheistCrusader

(33,982 posts)
58. That design is strong, but like a pop can.
Fri May 24, 2013, 01:23 AM
May 2013

You can stack a bunch of college text books on an empty pop can, but put a dent in the side of the can, and crush-o. Comes down immediately.

A more modern bridge can be built without that sort of vulnerability, so, still a good reason to replace this ancient shit we have around here.

Thankfully no one died. Lots of property damage and some injuries though.

 

opiate69

(10,129 posts)
40. oh man, that`ll add a bunch of wrinkles to the situation..
Thu May 23, 2013, 11:56 PM
May 2013

Citations, insurance fights, etc.. gonna be lots of finger pointing.. I`ve been away from a good wi-fi.. any info on injuries coming in?

chknltl

(10,558 posts)
44. not yet. i have horrible internet connection on smart phone, radio not much better and no tv.
Fri May 24, 2013, 12:09 AM
May 2013

Been across that bridge a jillion times. I am not buying into the infrastructure problem our fellow DUersare running with regarding this particular collapse yet. The 11th street bridge (the old bridge behind the new bridge visible from the old Metal Shop), was just restored a few months back. They did beautiful work with it and the cost must have been enormous. So if money was available from the state for THAT bridge.... well I think I'll wait to render judgement till all the data is in.

chknltl

(10,558 posts)
47. quasi confirmation:. witness followed oversized load almost to bridge
Fri May 24, 2013, 12:16 AM
May 2013

Witness caller to AM1000 said he was stuck behind truck with oversized load as he got on I-5 and followed it to Sedro Woolley exit where he exited freeway. Breaking: confirmed no fatalities. 3 people pulled from water.

Hissyspit

(45,788 posts)
53. @CBSNews: UPDATE: No fatalities in I-5 bridge collapse in NW Wash.; 3 rescued http://t.co/5MK4CuAqg
Fri May 24, 2013, 12:57 AM
May 2013

@CBSNews: UPDATE: No fatalities in I-5 bridge collapse in NW Wash.; 3 rescued
http://t.co/5MK4CuAqgz

uppityperson

(115,674 posts)
56. Watching local news and they are saying 3 in the drink and all removed. Whew but argh
Fri May 24, 2013, 01:15 AM
May 2013

Redirecting traffic on to Hwy 20? Something like that.

daleo

(21,317 posts)
43. A well maintained bridge shouldn't fail because of a wayward truck load
Fri May 24, 2013, 12:01 AM
May 2013

Every event has initiating causes and underlying causes. The underlying causes are the real concerns.

chknltl

(10,558 posts)
51. KOMO AM 1000 just had an expert on, bridge built 1955 considered obsolete but functional.
Fri May 24, 2013, 12:39 AM
May 2013

When asked if this bridge could collapse if overhead girder hit as was described she said yes. Breaking: witness said bridge was collapsing as truck was crossing. Speculation is that the truck load was hit by collapsing bridge as opposed to load striking bridge causing collapse.

AtheistCrusader

(33,982 posts)
59. A bridge of that design will.
Fri May 24, 2013, 01:26 AM
May 2013

A single load bearing link gone, and the whole thing fails. Like a toothpick skyscraper. Granted, a more modern bridge would have a different design, and possibly no exposed girders at all.

chknltl

(10,558 posts)
63. That is very likely the case here accdg to KOMO AM 1000
Fri May 24, 2013, 02:14 AM
May 2013

Bridge expert interview agrees. This bridge was rated as functional but obsolete. The design could indeed be the cause here, it was known prior to collapse that a single girder failure on this bridge COULD cause this failure. State Patrol has all but confirmed that the truck with the heavy load had hit one of the girders.
These are the things I am heading on radio over past hour. Fascinating interview with male survivor now out of hospital exam. He popped his dislocated shoulder back into place unbelted his wife and helped her out of car.

 

golfguru

(4,987 posts)
67. Maintenance was not the problem, design flaw was the problem
Fri May 24, 2013, 03:08 AM
May 2013

If a truck hits the side girders of the bridge, the bridge should not collapse
if the design is sound. The design should not incorporate load bearing girders
on the sides of a bridge which can be hit and damaged in an accident.

IMO the load bearing girders should be UNDER the bridge and thus not at risk
of damage by a large truck. The sides of the bridge should consist only of railings
which would prevent cars from falling off the bridge.

AtheistCrusader

(33,982 posts)
73. A modern bridge of that type would do exactly that.
Fri May 24, 2013, 05:04 AM
May 2013

They'd put the supports under it. Not immune to everything, a tanker truck fire brought one down not too long ago, but much better than structural shapes over the roadway.

From the early witness descriptions, the truck's load hit the TOP girders.

Hissyspit

(45,788 posts)
46. @BreakingNews: Witnesses say truck struck I-5 bridge in Washington state before collapse - @KING5Sea
Fri May 24, 2013, 12:11 AM
May 2013

@BreakingNews: Witnesses say truck struck I-5 bridge in Washington state before collapse - @KING5Seattle broadcast http://t.co/RmiDEKQGrm

Historic NY

(37,449 posts)
36. This country is falling apart because of GOP gridlock....
Thu May 23, 2013, 11:37 PM
May 2013

band-aides to hold thing together since 2001 aren't working anymore.

All told, 69,223 U.S. bridges are classified as “structurally deficient,” according to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Many of these bridges have exceeded their 50-year design lifespan. In fact, the average age of an American bridge is 42 years. To put this in perspective, the report notes that “there are more deficient bridges in these 102 regions than there are McDonald’s restaurants in the entire country – 18,239 versus about 14,000.”

http://www.forbes.com/sites/williampentland/2011/11/04/americas-most-dangerous-urban-bridges/

totodeinhere

(13,034 posts)
38. Wow. I used to live up there in Burlington and crossed that bridge almost daily.
Thu May 23, 2013, 11:47 PM
May 2013

My thoughts are with the victims and hope everyone can be rescued.

Harry Monroe

(2,935 posts)
42. Never forget who has blood on their hands over this
Fri May 24, 2013, 12:00 AM
May 2013

In September 2011, President Obama proposed the American Jobs Act, which among other things would have allocated $50 billion to do things like fix the nation's dilapidated bridges.

Even though it received a majority vote of 50-49, Republicans filibustered, so it needed 60 to pass. It was then broken up into smaller bills, with the $50 billion infrastructure part being relabeled the Rebuild America Jobs Act. It again received majority support 51-49, but it again failed due to a Republican filibuster. It would have been paid for with a 0.7% tax on Americans earning more than $1 million per year.

AtheistCrusader

(33,982 posts)
60. This was an oversized load.
Fri May 24, 2013, 01:29 AM
May 2013

Oversized loads existed in the 50's too. That said, it was pretty old. There are more bridges of that type on I-5 down near Kelso, and Centralia. It is high time they be replaced.

Cleita

(75,480 posts)
52. So much for that jobs bill President Obama wanted to repair
Fri May 24, 2013, 12:46 AM
May 2013

our crumbling infrastructure. DH and I drove over that bridge with a trailer in tow many times in the past. I guess we are very lucky. My heart goes out to those who fell in the water.

colsohlibgal

(5,275 posts)
55. Sadly, No Surprise
Fri May 24, 2013, 12:59 AM
May 2013

We should be making infrastructure a high priority rather than giving wealthy people and companies huge tax breaks they don't need at all. Our screwed up priorities do not bode well as we move along but who knows, maybe tea party types will start realizing their anger is misplaced.

mahatmakanejeeves

(56,888 posts)
76. I've been over that bridge.
Fri May 24, 2013, 08:54 AM
May 2013

The name that had me throwing in the towel was Wahkiakum. And Okanogan. And Mukilteo. Come to think of it, a few others too.

http://www.co.wahkiakum.wa.us/

http://www.okanogancounty.org/

chknltl

(10,558 posts)
66. It's been my experience that few even try.
Fri May 24, 2013, 02:51 AM
May 2013

Brought a smile to my face the day I heard Thom Hartmann mangle it on the radio. That was back when we still had AM 1090...(insert big sigh here).

jakeXT

(10,575 posts)
68. The bridge is not considered structurally deficient but is listed as being "functionally obsolete"
Fri May 24, 2013, 03:36 AM
May 2013
Skagit County, between Seattle and Vancouver, Canada, lies on the Pacific coast and includes many islands. Of its 223 bridges, the Federal Highway Administration termed 11 "structurally deficient," meaning that they need repairs. Fifty-five were listed as "functionally obsolete" in the 2009 listing. The term indicates that bridge's design is from another era. Its features are quaint by modern standards.

The number of bridges the state's transportation department considers "structurally deficient" has grown nearly 50% in the last six years, according to a 2012 government report. At the time 11% of the "deck area of all bridges" in Washington were in the category.
http://edition.cnn.com/2013/05/24/us/washington-bridge-collapse/index.html



The bridge is not considered structurally deficient but is listed as being "functionally obsolete" - a category meaning that the design is outdated, such as having narrow shoulders and low clearance underneath, according to a database compiled by the Federal Highway Administration

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/bridge-collapses-nw-wash-people-water-19246261

AtheistCrusader

(33,982 posts)
80. Bridge maintenence was fine.
Fri May 24, 2013, 10:39 AM
May 2013

It was not decrepit. Just outdated design, vulnerable to physical impact.

daleo

(21,317 posts)
82. Obsolete design is a sign of poor infrastructure maintenance in a system wide sense
Fri May 24, 2013, 02:28 PM
May 2013

When infrastructure becomes dangerously obsolete, proper maintenance would include upgrading or replacement. Otherwise, it's just waiting for failure.

revolution breeze

(879 posts)
85. Daughter's boyfriend worked at the car dealership just west
Fri May 24, 2013, 06:19 PM
May 2013

of the interstate. He said they spent lunch betting on how many pieces would fall off the bridge into the river.

Latest Discussions»Latest Breaking News»I-5 bridge over Skagit Ri...