Bridges Too Far

Anybody who drives - I'm guessing most of the people reading this - is probably receptive to the meme of "our nation's infrastructure is crumbling". Yet, though billions of dollars are spent annually between all levels of government as soon as one thing gets fixed or improved, another starts falling apart. What's the real story of America's infrastructure? Frankly it's us, the taxpayers, getting screwed.

A couple of weeks ago, a story in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette by Jon Schmitz, "Pennsylvania bridges better, but still need work", caught my eye. The article mentions how in the last three years the number of "structurally deficient" bridges in Pennsylvania has dropped by 1,100. Before you breathe easy, that still leaves about 4,500 in the Commonwealth that need some TLC ("structurally deficient...does not mean they are unsafe but that they are showing signs of deterioration that, if unaddressed, could lead to weight limits or closings").

Later in the article, Mr. Schmitz points out that one of the most important bridges in the Pittsburgh area is on the needy list:

One of the biggest bridges on the deficient list, the Liberty Bridge in Downtown Pittsburgh, is in need of rehabilitation that will cost an estimated $40 million to $60 million, he said. Final design of the project is expected to begin this year but construction funding is not yet available. More than 16,500 vehicles use the bridge on an average day. 

The bridge superstructure is marred with patches of rust and there are areas of corrosion and deterioration in the steel, but Mr. [Dan] Cessna said the span is safe. It is currently undergoing an in-depth inspection. 

The best-case scenario has rehabilitation starting in 2015 if funding becomes available. The department will make interim repairs as necessary until then, Mr. Cessna said.

Dan Cessna is the executive of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation District 11, comprising Allegheny, Beaver, and Lawrence counties. Everybody in Pittsburgh knows the Liberty Bridge, the tunnels that join the bridge to pass under Mount Washington, the lengthy traffic jams during rush hours on both, and what a complete pig's breakfast transportation around here would be if the bridge failed or had to be closed for safety reasons. $40-60 million seems like a bargain to keep the bridge safe and sound. But is it?

Pittsburgh: We want NO flights!

Just saw this article from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that talks about the increased fees - taxes, that is - that will be imposed on airlines operating out of Pittsburgh International Airport beginning in January.

Southwest Airlines, one of my current favorites, is particularly incensed - as they should be.

Increase in landing fees? 34.8 percent.
Increase in terminal space? 35.9 percent.
Increase in ramp space? 191 percent!

Yes, Allegheny County is sitting on a white elephant - a top of the line hub airport with no hub airline. Yes, there are significant issues surrounding servicing the airport's debt.

Every time I'm at the airport, it is very depressing. The place is an absolute ghost town, even at peak travel times. Clearly though, travel originiating here is strong - the extended parking lot is usually mostly full, anyway.

Here's a suggestion for the powers that be: cut the fees for landing, terminal space, and ramp space, you dolts! Obviously RAISING fees hasn't exactly ATTRACTED airlines here. You want a new airline to take Pittsburgh seriously as a hub location? Make our airport the least expensive for airlines to operate from!

If you lower the fees, more airlines will operate and maybe we'd get a hub back, whether for passengers or cargo. If there are more operations, you'll get more fees. DUH!

TFH 9/18: A Bridge Rises!

A little more than one year ago on August 1, 2007, the I-35W bridge across the Mississippi River in Minneapolis collapsed due to structural failure.

Today, the replacement bridge opened - more than three months ahead of schedule.

Their Finest Hour is honoring all of those who contributed to building this new bridge in under a year from the time construction started. It was paid for, but not built by government.

This bridge was built by two private construction firms - Flatiron Construction Corporation (Longmont, CO) and Manson Construction Company (Seattle, WA).

To the owners, managers, and workers of these two American firms: thank you for your dedication and determiniation in completing this vital infrastructure project. This was a great example of how when the purpose is clear, the will is strong, and the regulators, speculators, litigators, and naysayers get out of the way, there is nothing that can restrain the American Spirit of accomplishment and results generation! A finest hour indeed!

This however, can't help but point out that there's still a gaping hole in Manhattan that was the World Trade Center, and we have crumbling infrastructure all around the country...

Memo to Americans: let's get on with it - lead, follow, or get out of the way!

How long...

...before the Left uses the Metrolink train crash tragedy for political purposes?

Not long is my guess, since after all, Amtrak is just as important to Joe Biden as Iraq, Afghanistan, and veterans affairs.

My heart and prayers go out to the victims and their families. Reports are that this was hardly an accident, but homicidal negligence on the part of the Metrolink engineer.