Study: Iowa ranks well in terms of 'functionally obsolete' bridges
Author
Published
10/18/2017
IOWA CITY — Passers-by may have noticed inspection crews surveying the underside of several Iowa City bridges this week using a snooper truck — which works similarly to a cherry picker, but with an arm that can reach down below a span.
Brett Zimmerman said inspections must take place every two years to ensure safety and meet state and federal bridge rules. With Iowa consistently finding itself near the top of the list for structurally deficient bridges, inspections become all the more important.
It was too early to say Monday if any of the city’s main bridges were in need of repairs, but Zimmerman said the city tries to keep ahead of any demand for repairs or updates. The city’s Prentiss Street Bridge is scheduled for replacement next year.
“We like to stay on top of things. I can’t speak for the rest of Iowa, but here locally, I don’t see us having the same statewide issue of being overwhelmed with poor bridges,” Zimmerman said.
While nationwide reports have often placed Iowa near the top of the list when it comes to the most structurally deficient bridges, a new report released this month by InsuranceQuotes finds Iowa ranks particularly well in a different category — functionally obsolete bridges.
Read the full article on the Cedar Rapids Gazette website.Want more news on this topic? Farm Bureau members may subscribe for a free email news service, featuring the farm and rural topics that interest them most!