Delay bridge removal

The article about the Waldo-Hancock Bridge, “Delay seen in removal of old span” (BDN, Nov. 13), is wrong or misleading in several ways.

The article suggests the bridge must be taken down so it does not fall down: “there have been a couple of cases of similar bridges collapsing.”

The first case mentioned is the 1967 Silver Bridge collapse. That bridge was built in 1928 (not 1938 as the article claims) and incorporated innovative eye-bar chains cables as roadway support. It was those chains which ultimately failed. The Waldo-Hancock Bridge has wire cables.

The Tacoma Narrows Bridge was a classic example of an overdesigned and underengineered structure, inadequately stiffened against wind shear, too narrow for the demands placed on it. Although the Waldo-Hancock Bridge was designed and built before the Tacoma Narrows, its longevity is a good argument that it is not likely to fail in the same way.

The Waldo-Hancock Bridge is similar to these two bridges in that all three are suspension bridges. It is dissimilar in not sharing the design and structural features that caused the others to collapse.

The Waldo-Hancock Bridge will be a nightmare for security and safety officials and for insurance companies and lawyers until it is gone. Taking it down, however, is remarkably shortsighted. Its presence would add a third attraction to the site, along with the new observation tower and Fort Knox. A stroll on foot across the bridge would be a grand pleasure.

John Goldfine

Swanville