http://www.king5.com/story/news/local/2015/04/13/state-route-410-bonney-lake-fatality/25720147/
SR 410 in Washington state, concrete fell from an overpass and killed a young family. Earlier this year, a JB Hunt driver was almost killed when a bridge came down on him in Ohio. Can't forget about the I-35W bridge in Minneapolis that killed 6 when it came down. This is a serious problem with our highway system. It's literally falling apart. And while politicians fight about social issues, and pay mere lip service to actual problems like our crumbling infrastructure, it's scary.
Without turning this into a political debate, and trust me there's room for it, but forum rules say take it to politics, what's your take on the infrastructure problems. Remember, NO POLITICS! Just what have you seen out there that concerns you, what interstates or highways or bridges are in serious need? What have you experienced?
This is not a trucking accident. But we need to discuss it.
Discussion in 'Trucking Accidents' started by joseph1135, Apr 14, 2015.
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Well, I don't leave PA much anymore, but it's very obvious where the priorities were the last couple years. I'm sure glad they fixed I80, it was badly needed, but sections are deteriorating very quickly, now that the state's idea of tolling the road were shot down. But while they spent billions on 80, with the idea of a big windfall of cash from tolls, the rest of the state was left to rot.
Been across 78 lately? It is, and always has been, a washboard. And I don't see any plans for improvement anytime soon.
And the bridges around here....about two years ago, the state transportation Secretary held a nice press conference announcing weight limit reductions on a bunch of bridges. What a novel idea. As it turns out, a $20 permit is all that's needed to cross those bridges. There's one on rt. 329 in Northampton they dropped the weight rating to 30 tons, but I see trucks going to the power plant grossing 95000 lbs crossing that same bridge. All because of a piece of paper. Yet, I must detour around it to go to the same place just because of that piece of paper......(or lack thereof)Starboyjim Thanks this. -
Impossible for me to discuss without involving politics, because that's where the problem lies. We pay plenty of taxes in plenty of forms....where does it all go?
Answer: Pockets -
What's to be said Joseph? The nations infrastructure is in bad shape and they have spent the revenue collected to fix it. In my last corrosion class we touched on this briefly and the entire system got a "D". The interstate system itself was designed to last 50 years....and was built in the 50's. There is a reason that bridge in Minneapolis fell.
Look at the revenue a power unit pays, sales tax, $850 base plate, $500 road use tax, .19 cpg fuel. Then add a lesser amount for cars ? That's a lot of money, collected, and gone. Partied away .......
Ok so what's the solution? Not a clue...the obvious truth is cash and lots of it. A no sacrifice comprehensive program to start the rebuilding process and it needs to start yesterday.
JMO -
I blame Obama
misterG, Starboyjim, mike-v and 2 others Thank this. -
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it's definitely put because the fuel and gas taxes which were designed for the road system is not being put back into the roads so when you neglect the highway system what you see is what we get
Gearjammin' Penguin Thanks this. -
Not a political statement. The highway bill is up in 6 weeks (May 31). This congress has passed 4 bills and had 1000 fundraisers. That is where their priorities are.
77smartin Thanks this. -
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Indiana Senate leaders chose to postpone discussion Monday on a proposal that would repeal the states law that sets wages for public construction projects, just hours after thousands of contractors and union members rallied against the measure at the Statehouse.
More than 2,000 people cheered and chanted Enough is enough at the rally as construction company officials and legislators denounced the bill that would eliminate the boards that set wages for state or local building projects costing more than $350,000.
The repeal has been pushed by Republican Gov. Mike Pence and GOP legislative leaders who say the boards, made up of people appointed by labor unions and an association of nonunion contractors, set wages that are artificially high and prevent lower, more competitive bid prices that would save taxpayers money on public projects.
Read more: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news...-against-repeal-of-constructio/#ixzz3XHyTfuUT
Follow us: @washtimes on Twitter
At least unions still picket.Hammer166 Thanks this.
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