Stamp an expiration date on bridges
ONCE AGAIN we are reminded of the deteriorating condition of our nation's infrastructure by the bridge collapse in Minnesota. Engineers have given ample warnings, but our political system is not very sensitive to these warnings. Inspection and maintenance budgets often fall prey to budget cuts that defy long-term economic and public safety concerns. One way to keep the public informed and to build public support for badly needed infrastructure repair and maintenance would be to post visible structural ratings on all public structures. For example, all bridges that are structurally deficient should be labeled as such for motorists to see. Progress being made could also be posted. That way, the general public would know whether problems were being addressed and how long it was taking to remove these deficiencies. This approach has the potential of bringing political decision-making closer to reality.
ILYAS BHATTI
Plainville
The writer, former commissioner of the Metropolitan District Commission, is assistant professor of construction management at Roger Williams University. 