Oversize takes out I5 bridge in Wash.

50+ year old bridge + list of needed repairs longer than my arm + rated functionally obsolete = Truck drivers fault.

I wonder how long the Truck Driver and the accident investigators were standing around before the bridge collapsed?

"Hey Earl, do you think we ought tah close that bridge?"
"Naaahhh"
*BOOOOM*
",,,maybe?"

 

Truck driver with overheight load striking bridge does indeed = driver's fault. Period. Functionally obsolete does not = ready to collapse at any given moment.

 

The oversize strike of the bridge was being discussed last night within 2 hrs after the collapse http://www.thetruckersreport.com/tr.../214079-i5-bridge-collapse-in-washington.html

 

Speaking from having a bridge hit, there was a crew in a matter of just under an hour there at the site inspecting the bridge.
Thank goodness no major damage. Slight, but did not hurt the bridge for travel..

 

when you sign the oversize permit, you sign your life away.......

 

You all better revisit the idea that it's the trucks fault........

Look at this picture in particular. Oversize load, but more importantly, the pilot car in front with the height pole. It wasn't some fly-by night oversize truck.....wonder what happened. If the load was truly overheight....wouldn't one think the pilot car caught it.....and the other kicker....he made it under all of the other spans? Or did he hit the first one, it collapsed (which if that was the case, he made it under all the rest of the spans before exiting the bridge)? Hard to tell from the angle and story. I'm thinking the DOT has some explaining to do.

 

It is being reported that the pole did hit the bridge, maybe the following distance was too close for the struck to stop? This was the last truss span NB, so he had passed under the other THREE before this happened, maybe the span he hit had less clearance than the first three spans?

TS

 

Hmmmmm.....Those Bridge Feelers look a little low in comparison to the load height.....

Also...That's on a Step....And it's still too high......
Hmmm.......The shipper should have demanded a can chassis not a step.....

WADOT is going to be Hell on all trucks now.....For a stupid mistake from all parties involved moving that "Can".....

 

Nope....You're just expected to use the space between your ears......