Drivers in Lowell, Massachusetts, are sounding the alarm a few bridge they are saying has develop into so rickety that they’re afraid it may collapse at any second.
The Rourke Bridge is a important hyperlink over the Merrimack River, carrying roughly 27,000 automobiles a day. It was speculated to be momentary when it was first inbuilt 1983, however it’s nonetheless standing and a few say they concern it’s crumbling.
Lowell Metropolis Councilor Danny Rourke, who has no relation to the identify of the bridge, mentioned his inbox is flooded with complaints about it. He gave NBC10 Boston a tour beneath the bridge on Friday to level out concrete that’s lacking and metal that’s rusting.
“It’s a big-time concern we’ve within the metropolis, in all probability the most important concern we’ve proper now,” Rourke mentioned.
Moreover, Rourke mentioned the slender lanes on the bridge are a public security hazard for ambulances and different first-responders who’re attempting to get to the hospital close by.
“It is horrible,” driver Gayle Marcotte mentioned. “Once I cross that bridge, my window is at all times open as a result of I fear about it.”
Plans to assemble a brand new bridge have lengthy been within the works and there may be cash in a bond invoice to do it, however they’re nonetheless trying to safe the funds and development in all probability won’t begin for at the very least two years.
Rourke mentioned an emergency inspection of the bridge is required now. He and his colleague plan to file a movement calling for one on the metropolis council assembly subsequent week.
“The very last thing we need to do is be sitting right here a 12 months or two from now and a part of the bridge falls into the water or a significant disaster occurs,” Rourke mentioned.
One thing already occurred to Steven Ubele’s automotive on the bridge; the oil pan on his automotive was torn by a metal plate on the bridge earlier this month.
“When the automotive began smoking on the mild, I knew one thing was up,” Ubele mentioned.
Ubele’s Fb publish warning folks about his expertise obtained tons of of shares and feedback. He mentioned till a brand new bridge goes up, he won’t be driving over it.
“One thing dangerous goes to occur on that bridge,” he added. “It’s not protected and I’m questioning what’s going to should occur earlier than they do something about it.”
Sokhary Chau, sworn on this week in Lowell, has develop into the nation’s first Cambodian American mayor.
