After the collapse of a Minneapolis interstate bridge last week, Los Angeles is checking up on the safety of local bridges. City Councilmembers Bill Rosendahl and Wendy Greuel introduced a motion calling for the Department of Public Works and the Department of Transportation to provide a status report on the city's bridges and the programs that exist to repair, retrofit, and maintain them.
"This is an issue of public safety," Rosendahl said. "The Minneapolis tragedy was a wake-up call for us. We want to have a clear understanding of our bridge system and any safety issues that need to be addressed within our infrastructure. I would rather be safe than sorry."
There are more than 500 bridges in Los Angeles and many are considered historic. Some of the city's bridges, such as the Vincent Thomas Bridge in San Pedro, serve as the only roadway connecting two areas of the city.
Last Wednesday in Minneapolis, the 40-year-old 35W bridge, which crosses the Mississippi River, collapsed during the evening rush hour, killing at least four people and severely injuring countless others.
The motion was referred to the City's Public Works Committee and is expected to be heard this month.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on August 15, 2007. Read the original PDF.