Details are same as all the rest.
I'm a retired semi driver. I started in 2000, after retiring from retail management. I just drove as a way to maintain funds, and yet see the country.
I've driven in all 48 contiguous states, and these two bridges; Cairo Mississippi, and Cairo Ohio, are the worst I've ever been across.
They were originally built, obviously, for Model T Fords, considering their width. Now you have dozens of semis, twice the width and many times the weight of Model Ts, crossing these bridges daily. It's terrifying to think about.
The best solution is to build modern bridges next to these ancient Iron monstrosities (which, I'm guessing, are one-hundred years old, and already way overstressed), then tear these creeky death traps down!!! Before they kill a bunch of people, let alone disrupt river traffic for days, when they FALL down!!!
The next best "solution" has already been suggested. Stop lights, and one-way traffic across them at a time. Better yet, no semis (and maybe even no class A motor homes) at all!!! This might prolong the collapse, until new bridges could be designed, financed, and built.
The blame, and forever seared conscience, will rest solely on the governing bodies that oversee these motorways if the unthinkable does happen.
I hate it when U.S. government funds are misspent on pork, welfare, or pleasing private interests - and do not have the interests of "we the people" at heart. However, for the public good, I can think of no better use of Uncle Sam's funds than to replace these bridges. Until the next major forest fire, or hurricane, I can think of no greater national emergency. Priority #1!!! FEMA needs to oversee this project, and get it done - yesterday!
As much structure noise as they make just with an ordinary car or pickup, it's God's grace they are still standing. I remember the speed limit being 15 mph across them, and nobody obeys that. Not even semis. That's because all you want to do is get across them before your blood pressure climbs into the stratosphere. Or before you start shaking so much you can't drive. I'm not exaggerating. Local travelers, frequent crossers, are probably numb to the fear. They probably think, I've crossed these dozens, hundreds of times. They're not going to fall. And, sadly, it's these same ones who will probably die when it finally happens.
Of course, this is just my opinion. I just hope it makes an impression on somebody who has the backbone, and is willing to take the responsibility to do the right thing before...
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