3CATSAILOR
Well-Known Member
The question is, is the Thomas Johnson bridge in worst shape than we are told? I don't know the answer to this question pro or con. I do know the bridge is 50 or more years old. What I do know is that I can physically see what appears to be large amounts of "caulk" between pieces of concrete that hold the bridge up. I can see steel 'bands" around many of the pillars that hold the bridge up. Based on the weight, stress, wind, age and normal wear and tear on a daily basis the bands made of metal (which is significantly rusting) appears to me, and in just my opinion it could eventually snap. I do not think it could withstand another earthquake such as what we had several years ago. Go under the bridge and take a real close look at it. Look at how it is "pieced together" and consider along with the elements of time, stress and other factors whether or not you think it is safe. A long story short, I think a good prayer is in order every time you cross this bridge. Oh yeah, and then combine that with no funding in the foreseeable future to replace the bridge, and you then have the "Perfect Storm" of a major, horrific accident over the horizon. Sure, they will fund a study here or a study there. It's simply a delay tactic to placate the people who live down here. Look at this soup that we call the bridge. All of the ingredients are in place for a major collapse. Some people hate bridges because they are afraid of bridges. At least with this one, you have a good reason to be afraid of it. And even if they find the funding for it somehow, it will still take years to build. And there's more. - So, do you want to know about the under water pillars? Lets say four things that we know for sure. 1) They are exposed to salt in the salt water. That's never good. 2) The currents are quite strong. That doesn't help either. 3) Age. It is simply an old bridge. 4) The bridge is heavily used. - More than the original intended purpose. This adds to extra stress.
And if that isn't bad enough to get your attention, you may have noticed a significant up tick of cars crossing the center line for unexplained reasons in Southern Maryland. Blame it on folks on drugs such as opiates or blame it on the cell phone, or simply not paying attention for other reasons. The bottom line is the same. You have no where to get out of the way once on the bridge. Therefore, "you are toast". Thus you may want to say more than one prayer when you cross! At least now you have a reason to really be afraid of a bridge.
And if that isn't bad enough to get your attention, you may have noticed a significant up tick of cars crossing the center line for unexplained reasons in Southern Maryland. Blame it on folks on drugs such as opiates or blame it on the cell phone, or simply not paying attention for other reasons. The bottom line is the same. You have no where to get out of the way once on the bridge. Therefore, "you are toast". Thus you may want to say more than one prayer when you cross! At least now you have a reason to really be afraid of a bridge.
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