Read the Fort Worth Star Telegram article on the state of the bridges in our state. How long will they last? WHY are most of them in Fort Worth? WHY are we spending almost as much on new bridges? Shouldn't we fix the ones that are broke instead of building new unneeded ones over unneeded nonexistent river channels? Is anyone awake out there?
A prime example is the West Seventh Street bridge near downtown Fort Worth, where signs of decay are plain as day. On the underbelly of the 99-year-old structure, metal rods that were once protected by concrete are now poking through the eroded surface -- a problem that, if not addressed, will eventually make the bridge unsafe for motorists. It is scheduled to be demolished and replaced in 2013.
Meanwhile, more than 12,000 vehicles per day cross it despite a poor score on its most recent inspection.
Of the 29 poorly scoring bridges in Tarrant County, 21 are considered structurally deficient, meaning they have problems with the deck, superstructure or substructure.
In Fort Worth, where 16 of the substandard Tarrant County bridges are located, city officials say that they're three years into an aggressive renovation and replacement program and that residents will soon begin to see results. The city plans to spend $25.7 million on bridges through 2015 -- $15.5 million on capital improvements to older bridges and $10.2 million for new bridges along the Trinity River Vision development north of downtown -- said George Behmanesh, assistant director of transportation and public works.
