It's notable because it's practically a brand new bridge - only 10 years into its 100 year life span. Bridges that fail are typically much further into their projected life spans, and the ones that aren't make headlines (like Tacoma Narrows). It's also a novel design, so lots of heads will be scratched while figuring out where the mistakes were made. Was the mistake in analysis? Materials? Something else?
I say novel design, but it's more like some novel techniques for combining wood and metal together. The basic bridge design is fairly common but typically built using all wood or all metal. When you look at it it's fairly similar to train bridges from last century.
I say novel design, but it's more like some novel techniques for combining wood and metal together. The basic bridge design is fairly common but typically built using all wood or all metal. When you look at it it's fairly similar to train bridges from last century.