PART 2

"The structure age generally has the greatest influence on the remaining bridge life. The WisDOT Bridge Manual uses a life expectancy of 70 to 75 years for bridges designed with modern standards. For this study, a 60-year bridge life was used, for three reasons. First, the majority of the bridges in the study area were constructed 30 to 40 years ago, prior to implementation of bridge design practices such as the use of epoxy coated reinforcing steel and structural steel analysis which can account for fatigue cracking. Second, the bridges in southeastern Wisconsin carry high traffic volumes, in comparison to the rest of the State. Finally, the bridges have been exposed to severe climate changes and heavy salting applications." --
"A Regional Freeway System Reconstruction Plan for Southeastern Wisconsin"

The final study report, published as SEWRPC Planning Report No. 47, was adopted by the Commission as an amendment to the regional transportation plan at a meeting held May 21, 2003. http://www.sewrpc.org/freewaystudy/

I found this interesting report specific to southeastern Wisconsin. It brings up additional facts that have been 'overlooked'. This report looks at the substructure as well as the superstructure of the bridge to determine if it is fit for use, as well as how long it can be expected to hold up. Note, if any of the 34 bridges noted above are in southeastern Wisconsin, then this report would cover them. Also, any of those 34 bridges that are in our area would be 33.3% past their life expectancy. I said it before that I like getting the most out of our expenditures, this is not what I mean. If I am expected to live to 75, then when I hit 100 it is safe to say I have been lucky to live a good life. 133.3% of 75 is 100. 133.3% of 60 is 80. The last paragraph of this report is very informative. It highlights the next 10-15 yrs as being a time of enormous funding needed to get our roads and bridges up to shape. I think we should error on the side of the 7% over life expectancy (or somewhere close to it) rather that put off the necessary work that is overdue, current, and pending. Stop putting off the inevitable.

Another good report from back in 1983 forecasts problems with putting off funding for replacement of our bridges.
http://pubsindex.trb.org/document/view/d...

PART 1 (read first)

I read this a few times to see if I missed something. No, it is a poorly written story. It is not the fault of the Gazette so let's not start a Gazette bashing blog, but rather a poorly researched AP article. I jokingly asked myself if the bridges are working out and taking their vitamins to improve themselves?

If 34 of the Wisconsin bridges are 7% over the expected life span. While this can be viewed as both a positive or negative fact, I am interested in how many are at, or closely approaching, their life span. I like the fact we are getting our money worth, but it appears someone has dropped the ball on pre-planning ways to fund replacement construction? It sounds like 34 bridges are being put off being rebuilt while transportation funds are used in other areas. None of us like additional taxes, but that is what it will amount to if the spending is not curtailed. We already have problems with funding schools, municipalities, and routine road repairs.