It is a fascinating discussion and one that we need to engage with vigor.
Bottom chord connection on stiffening truss. (click here for deteriorating infrastructure pics of Fort Stuben Bridge)
Eye bar connections. Note that the system of eye bars that connect the main cable to the anchorages are much longer at the eastern end.
Details of the connection where the cable ends and the eye bars begin. Note that the system of eye bars that connect the main cable to the anchorages are much longer at the eastern end.
Let's 'talk about' REAL infrastructure work that provides our 'cultural' needs as well as reliable transportation.
Shut Down For Good (click title to entry - thank you)
By DAVE GOSSETT
January 16, 2009
The 80-year-old Fort Steuben Bridge, designated for demolition later this year, was permanently closed Thursday due to the deteriorating condition of the span's deck plates.
The bridge was closed a week ago after a routine maintenance inspection discovered "a deflection, or undesirable movement under traffic," according to Becky McCarty, public information officer for Ohio Department of Transportation District 11....
While living in Boston for nine months last year I didn't worry about any of those issues and had money to send that would have been 'eaten up' by international markets that would have never served the American economy. I had friends that had motorcycles or fuel efficient cars so that travel outside the city wasn't completely inhibited and family certainly came to visit, but, it was amazing to realize how well I was served and how much 'disposable' income I had for pure enjoyment when I didn't spend it on a car.
Should 'infrastructure' work include 'cultural preservation' so the 'recreational drive' in 'the two seater' include scenic by ways? Perhaps indeed it should, but, let that infrastructure work also include 'state of the art' engineering that establishes sound construction with longevity.
The American Automobile has also caused more problems than it necessarily has solved. It has allowed the creation of suburbia in a manner that dictates 'loops' around cities and expansion of paved roadways that are unsightly and environmentally assaultive to a phase we have come to know as 'progress.' The USA is slowly but surely becoming a 'pavement' jungle at the cost of our national beauty and 'green spaces.' It simply isn't practical to continue this trend, yet alone begin to believe we can actually 'back pedal' on Human Induced Global Warming by having a Chevy Volt that will allow for forty miles of electric, pollution free driving.
Currently, under the Bush White House and Transportation, Interior and EPA departments, the USA is on an ever expanding curve of destroyed 'green space' replaced by pavement and concrete. We are becoming not only 'heat islands' within our suburban areas, but, a 'heat nation.' It is not a proud heritage to leave our children and we can certainly do far better.
One of the first places to begin to introduce 'personal transportation substitutions' are cities AND college campuses where parking is a poor use of space. Where people live in close proximity to their 'everyday' activities, "Zip Cars" are a perfect answer to 'personal transportation' accompanied by parking lots or parking decks.
Can commuter rail and bus routes actually deliver nearly every working class person within walking distance of their homes?
And last, but hardly least, what kind of Homeland Security does that provide to cities and towns when 'access' by auto is limited to those 'expected' as opposed to those assaulting the city infrastructure everyday with random issues of 'control.' This is discussion the nation HAS TO HAVE and one that can be innovative with a new American way of life.
When looking at the bridge that is the subject of this entry, one has to wonder, do we want to encourage West Virginia to continue in the manner the Bush White House has emphasized for it in producing coal while killing people that mine it and through substandard 'energy' that pollutes including carbon dioxide or do we want an infrastructure for West Virginia that values its beautiful mountains and tourist dollars, hence, saving and updating bridges like the Fort Steuben Bridge? In my opinion, this continent holds such beauty that far exceeds the 'unhealthy natural resources' that mars that beauty by devastating its 'natural value' that the question really is mute and we need to seek higher standards for our energy and transportation infrastructure.
Oh, I nearly forgot. The Zip Car? When one swipes a credit car for its use? It comes with insurance that we can all live with and we no longer have to carry 'UNINSURED MOTORIST' as an expense. Not only that, but, I don't know of many rental car keys that are handed over to a 'drunk driver.' Sobriety test equipment can be built into the ignition process to any Zip Car as well.
Shut Down For Good (click title to entry - thank you)
By DAVE GOSSETT
January 16, 2009
The 80-year-old Fort Steuben Bridge, designated for demolition later this year, was permanently closed Thursday due to the deteriorating condition of the span's deck plates.
The bridge was closed a week ago after a routine maintenance inspection discovered "a deflection, or undesirable movement under traffic," according to Becky McCarty, public information officer for Ohio Department of Transportation District 11....
For many of us living a life without a driveway or a car on that driveway or in the garage seems like a 'sci-fi thriller' whereby we are held hostage to our government and what it can provide through a public transportation system.
That is simply not the case and the real discussion is 'how much do we actually need personal transportation as opposed to a public transit system that actually provides a valuable service?'
For anyone that lives in a large city, public transportation is a requirement and not a necessity. For a minimal cost one can travel miles and miles of 'underground' and have a completely 'safe and enjoyable' life. There is a 'no limit' enjoyment principle when one does not have to pay for car insurance, maintenance, fuel or face the hardship of traffic accidents and fatalities.
While living in Boston for nine months last year I didn't worry about any of those issues and had money to send that would have been 'eaten up' by international markets that would have never served the American economy. I had friends that had motorcycles or fuel efficient cars so that travel outside the city wasn't completely inhibited and family certainly came to visit, but, it was amazing to realize how well I was served and how much 'disposable' income I had for pure enjoyment when I didn't spend it on a car.
The American Automobile will always be a part of the American landscape simply because the country is so massive. The square mileage of the USA alone dictates some degree of personal transportation will always be a necessity and we are a country that loves to 'camp' and enjoy our National, State and Local Parks and wildlife so there needs to be consideration for that aspect our society and heritage, but, to what extent should that exist and in what form does it take?
Should 'infrastructure' work include 'cultural preservation' so the 'recreational drive' in 'the two seater' include scenic by ways? Perhaps indeed it should, but, let that infrastructure work also include 'state of the art' engineering that establishes sound construction with longevity.
The American Automobile has also caused more problems than it necessarily has solved. It has allowed the creation of suburbia in a manner that dictates 'loops' around cities and expansion of paved roadways that are unsightly and environmentally assaultive to a phase we have come to know as 'progress.' The USA is slowly but surely becoming a 'pavement' jungle at the cost of our national beauty and 'green spaces.' It simply isn't practical to continue this trend, yet alone begin to believe we can actually 'back pedal' on Human Induced Global Warming by having a Chevy Volt that will allow for forty miles of electric, pollution free driving.
Currently, under the Bush White House and Transportation, Interior and EPA departments, the USA is on an ever expanding curve of destroyed 'green space' replaced by pavement and concrete. We are becoming not only 'heat islands' within our suburban areas, but, a 'heat nation.' It is not a proud heritage to leave our children and we can certainly do far better.
Enter the American Landscape such concepts at "The Zip Car (click here)."
Additionally, there are 'ideas' currently in use that personalize 'the tour' experience in small, efficient cars that are computer programmed to allow for an enjoyable experience in cities such as San Diego, Barcelona and San Francisco (click here).
One of the first places to begin to introduce 'personal transportation substitutions' are cities AND college campuses where parking is a poor use of space. Where people live in close proximity to their 'everyday' activities, "Zip Cars" are a perfect answer to 'personal transportation' accompanied by parking lots or parking decks.
If a 'campus student center' had Zip Cars for rental by the swipe of a credit card there would be far less cumbersome lifestyles and parents would have far fewer expenses providing for personal transporation needs of their high school graduates whom currently value a fancy and expensive automobile as the ultimate reward to achieving a diploma or college acceptance letter.
Hello, folks, but since when does 'achievement' in life have to be accompanied by a car?
You aren't going to tell me that city parking decks produce more income than residence towers, that is simply not the case, so why do it? Would the 'lack of parking decks' in the city produce more or less residence and business infrastructure? Would mass transit systems that have ancillary services such as 'Zip Cars' actually provide a 'congestion free' infrastruture with the ONLY regular traffic being 'certified taxi cabs' and delivery trucks?
Can commuter rail and bus routes actually deliver nearly every working class person within walking distance of their homes?
And last, but hardly least, what kind of Homeland Security does that provide to cities and towns when 'access' by auto is limited to those 'expected' as opposed to those assaulting the city infrastructure everyday with random issues of 'control.' This is discussion the nation HAS TO HAVE and one that can be innovative with a new American way of life.
And finally.
When looking at the bridge that is the subject of this entry, one has to wonder, do we want to encourage West Virginia to continue in the manner the Bush White House has emphasized for it in producing coal while killing people that mine it and through substandard 'energy' that pollutes including carbon dioxide or do we want an infrastructure for West Virginia that values its beautiful mountains and tourist dollars, hence, saving and updating bridges like the Fort Steuben Bridge? In my opinion, this continent holds such beauty that far exceeds the 'unhealthy natural resources' that mars that beauty by devastating its 'natural value' that the question really is mute and we need to seek higher standards for our energy and transportation infrastructure.
Oh, I nearly forgot. The Zip Car? When one swipes a credit car for its use? It comes with insurance that we can all live with and we no longer have to carry 'UNINSURED MOTORIST' as an expense. Not only that, but, I don't know of many rental car keys that are handed over to a 'drunk driver.' Sobriety test equipment can be built into the ignition process to any Zip Car as well.
