Bridge the Gap
The Problem
What is Wrong?
The engineering report on the Blue Bridge speaks to several engineering issues but they are of a maintenance status and should be expected at regular intervals in the life of a mechanical product. Control systems, hydraulic systems, electrical systems, and mechanical interlocks all need service as do those same systems on cars and bicycles. Mechanical devices get serviced at regular intervals so this work for the Blue Bridge should be no surprise. The engineering report also speaks to two extreme conditions that the present bridge mechanics do not allow for. These extreme conditions are based on an earthquake. It is claimed in the report that the bridge interlocks would fail separating deck from land and/or concrete counter weights would not survive an earthquake. The interlocks can be improved and during an earthquake many more concrete and brick structures will fall alongside the bridge counterweights but there is no outcry for the 1880s buildings to be replaced.
Can it be Fixed?
The engineering report gives a list of things that can be repaired or replaced at half the price of total bridge replacement and in half the time of total bridge replacement. This is not a perfect solution as we garner only 40 or 50 years of service life before the process needs to be repeated but this is maintenance. It is likely that in the future that this maintenance can be done more quickly and more economically and should not be seen as an impediment.