Good question. Here in Long Beach CA (where I live) the Port Authority just wrapped up a complete replacement of the Long Beach port bridge and I know they ensured the new bridge can handle the large OGVs (ocean-going vessels) that visit the Port of Long Beach. Next door, the Port of Los Angeles is gearing up for a similar replacement (or upgrade, i am not sure which). Significant local, state and federal funds are being invested, include IRA and IIJA funds (if not directly, then indirectly by those funds covering projects that would have otherwise been covered by the ports. so that port funds could be spent on the bridges). Of course, states with lower taxes likely will have to lean on the feds more. And the Ports have funding from their terminals and tenants that make up their budget so the beneficiaries of the bridges also pay in. Working and safe bridges are an important infrastructure investment and like our highways and other INF, we are trying to catch up from years of neglect. Apologies if this is TMI ;-)
Thanks for the article about the bridges. Where does one begin to fix this problem?
Good question. Here in Long Beach CA (where I live) the Port Authority just wrapped up a complete replacement of the Long Beach port bridge and I know they ensured the new bridge can handle the large OGVs (ocean-going vessels) that visit the Port of Long Beach. Next door, the Port of Los Angeles is gearing up for a similar replacement (or upgrade, i am not sure which). Significant local, state and federal funds are being invested, include IRA and IIJA funds (if not directly, then indirectly by those funds covering projects that would have otherwise been covered by the ports. so that port funds could be spent on the bridges). Of course, states with lower taxes likely will have to lean on the feds more. And the Ports have funding from their terminals and tenants that make up their budget so the beneficiaries of the bridges also pay in. Working and safe bridges are an important infrastructure investment and like our highways and other INF, we are trying to catch up from years of neglect. Apologies if this is TMI ;-)
Information is always appreciated. I don't always remember the fine details, but I get the general gist of what is going on. Thank you