Back in 2008 a report was published "Iowa's Deficient Bridges - Strategies to improve and maintain the condition of Iowa's bridges". We reported on the problem and the ramifications of allowing the situation and safety concerns. You can see what we said by doing a search for "bridge + safety" on the Lombardi Law Firm website. Most safety prevention isn't rocket science. It's about practical solutions and knowing how to work and how things work. If you know how things work you'll figure out what makes them not work so well. It may be time to get serious with bridge repairs. An 80-year-old state highway bridge connecting Iowa and Wisconsin has developed an 18-inch crack in a steel beam forcing the bridge closing and a 60-mile detour. This bridge is reported by William Petroski, DMReg Reporter, to carry a load of 2,000 cars per day. For those working on the other side of the bridge from where they live, it might be cheaper to rent a small apartment for the work week and avoid having to spend money on gas and auto depreciation.

You can see why Governor Branstad vetoed the $15,000 membership fee to the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Coalition. Clearly we need to reshape our priorities. KCCI Story at this link.