Travel with a Beveridge: Donora bridge

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Donora-Webster Bridge status

Here is the weekly update from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation about the closed Donora-Webster Bridge:

SAI Consulting Engineers, Inc. of Pittsburgh is continuing their investigation into the feasibility of repairing the bridge so that it could reopen with a three ton weight limit. Lehigh University has completed their testing of the structural steel samples from the bridge. The results of this testing program shows that the initial repair concepts for the structure that have been developed will not be sufficient. SAI is now conducting additional studies to determine the feasibility, extent, and potential cost of repairs.

Valerie Petersen Community Relations Coordinator
PA Department of Transportation
District 12 Office

PennDOT officials declined to comment on the initial repair concepts it developed for the historic 101-year-old bridge that closed July 14 because of badly-deteriorated steel supporting its deck.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Donora-Webster Bridge watch

For those who are concerned about the status of the closed, 101-year-old Donora-Webster Bridge, here is today's update on the span from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation:

SAI Consulting Engineers, Inc. of Pittsburgh is continuing their investigation into the feasibility of repairing the bridge so that it could reopen with a three ton weight limit. They have completed the initial assessment of all work that would need to be completed. Because of the poor condition of the structure and its low load carrying capacity, they are now investigating the constructability of repair concepts. Structural steel samples have been taken from the bridge and have been sent to Lehigh University for analysis. Once the actual properties of the material is determined, this data will be used in the final determination of the feasibility, extent, and potential cost of repairs.

Jay Ofsanik | Safety Press Officer
Department of Transportation
Engineering District 12-0

P.S. In an attempt to dispel rumors that Donora police have been citing people for walking on the bridge sidewalk, there have been no such fines processed at the local court as of 1:30 p.m. today.

WELCOME TO NOWHERE

Scott Beveridge grew up in Webster, Pa., a village along the Monongahela River that experienced one of worst environmental nightmares in the United States. His family moved there in 1960 about the same time the nearby zinc and steel mills ceased production. Those mill furnaces were to blame for the damages that awoke America to the dangers of air pollution. After their demise, the grass and trees began to return to the barren landscape that appeared as if it belonged on the moon. His short stories about that adventure appear under these links: Introduction: The warning signs were there

Part 1: Where the houses turned black - The murders killed our reputation - Steel wives were desperate - A cantankerous boom town - Dying for fresh air - A railroad to disaster

Part 2: Bad boys of Webster - The seedy side of town - Swept out the door - A storm was brewing - The search for plant life - Little hope for Donora - Another mill folds

Scott sends dirty clothes home when on the road

If you are like him when you travel, your clothes seem to take up more space in your suitcase after you have worn them. Take a tip from Scotty and mail yourself a package home filled with those dirty socks, underwear and T-shirts after you have been on the road for five or six days. You can buy a box and enough postage at the post office for less than $15. Postal workers seem to get a kick out of the idea, and they will even help you fold your box and tape it closed, too. Seek out a post office in a small town, where the workers have more time to gossip, while driving to a tourist destination. Now, you have room in your carryon to cart home your souvenirs, without having to worry about them getting broken or flown to St. Louis when your switchover is aiming for Pittsburgh.

He also hates road warriors; prefers to chill on down time

The successful traveler packs a personality blessed with patience and some understanding of the road.

Scott says do everyone a favor and STAY HOME if you are an anal retentive, control freak who spends far too much time complaining about life. When traveling, folks always take the risk of flight delays and cultural misunderstandings, or having companions who don’t wear watches or luggage and could land in Macon, Ga., when they are flying to Istanbul.

So keep a book or two in your carryon in case you are stuck in the airport in Haiti while rebels are burning tires in the streets and preventing the pilot from reaching the cockpit of your plane. That bag should also carry any prescription drugs you need, deodorant and toothpaste, along with a toothbrush, clean pair of underwear and T-shirt.

When you arrive, please don't linger in your hotel room. Go outside to meet interesting people. You can sleep when you get home.

Always take a moment to sit down and remove your shoes, like the old man in Hanoi, who is shown in the above photograph at the Temple of Literature in Hanoi.

And before you fly overseas, please check with the U.S. Department of State to find out which countries hate Americans the most.