Demolition Crew Finds Decrepit Bridge Not So Decrepit

Arkansas span wasn't as structurally deficient as thought
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Oct 11, 2016 1:22 PM CDT

It turns out a 93-year-old bridge deemed structurally deficient isn't so weak after all, reports the AP. Demolition crews triggered explosives Tuesday to bring down the Broadway Bridge between Little Rock and North Little Rock, but the structure's arch and bridge deck remained upright. Arkansas highway department spokesman Danny Straessle says the blasts weakened the bridge, but that workers will likely have to find some "mechanical" means to complete the job. Crews have floated a crane into place near the structure and plan to hoist a worker into the air to inspect the blasts' impact. The detonations were supposed to sever the steel arch and bridge deck and cause a controlled collapse. Three other implosions are planned during a six-month period to bring down the old bridge and put up a new one. (More failure stories.)

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