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The “imprudent” driver of a 84 ton crane was responsible for the collapse of the temporary “Bailey” bridge yesterday which could unfortunately only support 40 tons.
The driver Albert Marín faces a c94,000 ($190) fine for destroying the bridge which will go a long way towards the millions of dollars it will take to repair it – again.
[url=http://www.nacion.com/2012-11-07/ElPais/transito-pide-una-vez-mas–paciencia-a-conductores.aspx#]Tránsito pide una vez más paciencia a conductores[/url]
What do you think the solution is for this ongoing problem?
Don’t we need a new bridge over the Virilla river to finally fix the problem with the “platina” and a new highway? Aren’t we just prolonging the inevitable?
With 90,000 drivers crossing there every day, a .50 cent toll would generate $45,000 per day or US$1,125,000 per month which could go a long way towards paying for a new bridge …
What do you think?
Much as I dislike toll roads/bridges, I have to agree with you, Scott. An alert toll-taker could at least wave over-limit vehicles to the side. Too bad the fine isn’t enough to cover the damage. I suppose suing the company isn’t possible?
Yes, no doubt there needs to be a new, modern bridge – but this is the perfect example of “band aid surgery” that is so prevalent here. Not complaining because things get things get done when they need to get done out here in the boonies, like when our local bridges wash away and 3-4 days later we’re back in business – no environment engineers and reports, etc, – just a Bailey Bridge (and hopefully no 90 ton cranes)!
crbill, I think it’s important to bear in mind that resources here are limited, just as they are everywhere else. There just aren’t enough colones to address every problem with the optimal solution. Given the option of a Bailey bridge or no bridge at all, I’d opt for the lesser of the two evils (unless, of course, I was driving a 90 ton crane).
The notion of a c25 toll to cross the river is tempting, but can you imagine the morning rush hour traffic backup? It’s bad enough driving into San Jose on the General Cañas when thing are moving freely. Put in a toll gate and see what happens. Really, a better approach would be to increase the toll in the outbound lanes shortly before you get to the airport. Of course, that wouldn’t provide any protection against another overweight vehicle.
Several ideas come to mind. A “crossing guard” who waves over any truck deemed to heavy for the bridge. And, after the two mile backup of traffic on the Interamerica yesterday, how about stopping trucks with so great a load and so underpowered that they can’t go more than 40kph? That would help the general traffic flow.
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