When exactly did DOT promise to fix the Escape Bridge?
| Video from Channel 12. |
In a Channel 12 story tonight prompted by coverage on this site, RIDOT claimed that work on Portsmouth's ailing Escape Bridge would begin next summer, contradicting an official communication the Town received this afternoon.
In a segment broadcast at 5:30, RIDOT Deputy Chief Design Engineering Bob Smith told Channel 12, "We're looking for construction to begin in the next construction season, which would be next summer, we're expediting the design right now, as long as we can get through the environmental permitting, then that should happen."
However, according to an e-mail obtained this afternoon, sent from Portsmouth Town Administrator Bob Driscoll to the Town Council, "Bernie Frezza [Intergovernmental Relations] of DOT called to report that the repairs to the Escape Bridge will be put out to bid in August of 2010 and a contract will be awarded for construction that will begin in the Spring of 2011."
Which is it, guys?
Of course, the e-mail from Driscoll was sent at 4:15, and the Channel 12 interview was almost certainly earlier than that. A lot can change in a few hours, even though DOT promised "a constant eye on that bridge."
It couldn't possibly be that they painted a rosy picture for the TV crew, could it?
After my posting yesterday, I received e-mails from two of our Portsmouth state legislators, and had a phone call with Sen. Chuck Levesque, and all promised to continue to press for a solution.
Rep Ray Gallison, whose district covers the North End of Portsmouth said, "I did speak to RIDOT's legislative liaison and told him the Director needs to be made aware of the severity of what happened yesterday ASAP." Gallison concluded, "We need attention now."
Rep. Jay Edwards, who represents Island Park, said, "I will just repeat the obvious - this bridge must be repaired to its original strength as soon as possible for the safety of all the residents in Island Park. Nothing else will or should be acceptable to Portsmouth or the State of Rhode Island."
Correction: Updated Smith and Frezza's official titles.
Comments
Wernerlll
Sat, 12/05/2009 - 11:34am
Permalink
Get Over the Bridge
There is too much water under the bridge to suggest that there is a design effort in progress only just now. Given the condition of the bridge, what was the consideration given back in May when the problems were noted? Where are the old design drawings that could be used to strengthen the structures and materials to best practices of today? What are the "environmental permitting" barriers that would warrant a delay of emergency repairs? How about a sole source contract to return the Cove Bridge to its safe functionality? Did any of the stimulus money reach the RIDOT for allocation to repair infrastructure and emergency routes? What is the risk level to people using the road today and what is the probability of catastrophic failure?
Who enforces compliance with the weight limits to ensure the integrity of the bridge structure is protected? How is it that the bridge was allowed to reach the risk level of today? Are all other state bridges in top working order? This topic brings to mind questions as to the conditions of our reservoir dams that have been kept from the public. Where can one readily find the associated inspector’s reports? In addition, as sea levels continue to rise, what emergency planning is in the offering for transportation, whether by buses, boats or air?
Perhaps the old adage in future planning is still applies: Do not fix something that is not broken, or, often now referred to as, "management by exception". I would call it “crisis management” driven by events and personalities.
Let us get over the bridge already. America is broke and so we must resolve to talk to our bankers in China and get this fixed.
Cheers,
Wernerlll