The bridges of Middlesex County (warning: pic heavy)

"A state losing jobs, with huge deficits, Governor Mitt Romney turned it around – cutting spending, instead of raising taxes."

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Come along with me on a journey, as I show you one example of how Mitt Romney succeeded in turning around a Democratic State - demonstrating his remarkable natural ability to get things done.

In light to the tragic Minneapolis bridge collapse, my thoughts turned to my own local community and the state of the many bridges in the area which are critical links between geographically isolated areas. Our tour begins with our city's own truss bridge, made famous by Jack Kerouac in his novel, Dr. Sax as "The Bridge Where the Man with the Watermelon Died."


The orange barrels are a new feature, as recent inspections have determined that the steel on one side of the bridge is too damaged to hold the weight of passing vehicles, including the city bus and emergency vehicles. This is the side from which I am taking the pictures.


The chain-link fence is another recent addition to the bridge, after two tragic suicides within a month took the lives of some promising young UMass-Lowell students. Students walk across this bridge daily during the semester. The other sidewalk is closed as there is a conduit run where the sidewalk used to be. The conduit once ran under the bridge but this is another hasty repair made in an effort to keep this important span open. The bridge was slated to be replaced in 2012 under Romney, however the bridge replacement has been pushed up to 2010 due to the bridge's imminent failure.

Once the UMass students cross this terrifying span, they must pass over yet another treacherous bridge, though fortunately this one is much shorter. As long as you don't walk too close to the railing, you probably won't fall into the canal below:



I got the distinct feeling that I could jump really hard and punch a hole through this walkway - note the crumbly concrete:



Another sidewalk-challenged bridge can be found on Pawtucket St. - again, after the Minneapolis bridge tragedy, it was suddenly determined that this span may be a little dangerous and cars are only permitted to cross in the center of the bridge:



Here's an example of a permanent temporary fix - the Rourke Bridge. This span was hastily erected over 20 years ago on behalf of Wang laboratories, a large regional electronics/computer manufacturer who have since become defunct:


The original plan was to connect the span to the local state interchange, however complications with land takings caused the plan to fall through, and this 'temporary' two lane bridge has been handling local traffic ever since.



And lastly, just up the road in Tyngsboro - the beautiful and corroding Tyngsboro bridge - the symbol of this small town was closed several years ago due to (you guessed it) decay and safety concerns.


Work on repairs to this bridge has yet to begin - however, as this is a crucial river crossing, another 'temporary' bridge has been installed to handle the traffic flow.



So this is what a typical commute for someone living in my town looks like. How many times do we risk our lives to go about our daily routine? In the time Romney has breezed through this state, we have accumulated far more problems like these, than the vague accomplishments Romney has claimed. This is what the country has to look forward to from a Romney administration. This cannot happen!

Romney, you didn't turn around a Democratic state, you turned your back on one!

This is the kind of ammunition we need for each candidate.

...problem. The salt put on US roads to melt ice is seriously affecting the salinity of your streams.

MSM has moved on from the deteriorating bridges. Keep reminding them.
K & R

:sarcasm:

Part of the 3.5 mile long Pulaski Skyway in NJ, built in 1932, no trucks are allowed. Next repair starts this yr, IIRC

Mitt was awesome! :eyes:

I grew up in Lowell, and moved back here a couple of years ago. A few times a week, I have to cross the Aiken Street and Bridge Street bridges to visit family and friends. I try not to think about it too much as I tool around town, as I'm trying to cut down on the stress in my life. :yoiks:

this is a wonderful thread. Thanks :)

:hi:

:kick:

I swear, with each passing day, I'm more and more afraid to drive on bridges :scared: