Types of Bridges on Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is one of the largest rivers in the United States, meandering its way through several states and covering over 2,300 miles. Although many people think of the famous landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge in California or the George Washington Bridge in New York City when they think of bridges, smaller bridges in rural areas often need to be shut down due to weather or other related causes. Numerous bridges are closed on the Mississippi River, though there are many more that remain open and operational.
The Mississippi River carries with it a plethora of different bridges, from suspended to beam bridges. Beam bridges, commonly constructed from steel, concrete, or timber, are the most common type on the Mississippi and span between two abutments, created to provide support for both the deck and roadway. Suspended bridges are usually used for larger spans that require more structural stability and are also popular along the Mississippi. Finally, truss bridges are designed using connected triangular elements made from steel and are used mainly for low-level bridges (such as those near the shoreline of the Mississippi River).
Why are Bridges Temporarily or Permanently Closed?
Bridges can be shut down in an attempt to keep the public safe and to protect the environment, or they may be closed due to structural problems. For instance, several bridges over the Mississippi have been closed because of either heavy ice build-up in the water, a significant amount of swift water, or aging infrastructure. In addition, some of the bridges closed on the Mississippi River have been shut down due to environmental issues, such as the potential for increased oil and gas extraction, or contamination.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is the responsible party for monitoring and updating the status of bridges along the Mississippi River. Additionally, the Army Corps must evaluate the conditions of any bridge closure, before it can be reopened to ensure that the bridge is safe for use.
Effects of Bridge Closures
When a bridge is closed on the Mississippi River, it can have a significant impact on local economies, as the river is often a primary means of trade and transportation. For example, the closure of the I-35W bridge in Minneapolis, Minnesota temporarily caused a dramatic effect on the local workforce, resulting in decreased economic activity in the area. This highlights the importance of keeping bridges up and running, especially ones that are situated near or over major waterways.
Moreover, bridge closures can have an effect on the ecology of the Mississippi River. Changes in navigational routes, such as those from bridge closures, can cause an influx of aquatic species, nutrient loading, and sediment deposition. The impacts of these changes can result in both beneficial and negative consequences which need to be monitored.
Conclusion
Overall, bridges situated over the Mississippi River play an important part in the everyday lives of its residents and visitors. While there are many that are closed on the river, the majority remain open and operating. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for monitoring the condition of the bridges and re-opening them when it is safe to do so. The effects of bridge closures can be significant, ranging from impacts on the local economy to changes in aquatic species, nutrient loading, and sediment deposition.
Socio-economic Impact on Local Residents
Bridge closure on the Mississippi River can also have an effect on the socio-economic well being of local communities. For example, when the I-35W bridge in Minneapolis, Minnesota was closed temporarily, the unemployment rate of the local community increased by 3.5%, a significant effect even for a relatively short period of time. This underscores the importance of having open and functional bridges in local economies that are heavily reliant on the river for trade and livelihood.
The Mississippi River is home to numerous towns and cities that depend upon the vitality of the river to support economic growth. Any closures that take place along the river can have an effect on the local businesses, leading to a decline in consumer spending and an increase in unemployment rates. This highlights the need for legislators to be aware of any bridge closures that may take place, in order to provide any necessary mitigation.
Moreover, the closure of bridges on the Mississippi River can lead to an increase in road traffic, since alternate routes will need to be taken. This can lead to an increase in carbon emissions, as well as an increase in noise pollution in local areas. In order to best address these issues, local governments and bridge operators must be prepared to manage any extra traffic by providing alternate routes and conducting regular maintenance.
Government Regulations
In order to ensure the safe passage for citizens over bridges situated on the Mississippi River, the government has introduced a set of regulations and protocols. Local governments have the authority to inspect bridges and ensure that proper maintenance is being conducted and any bridge closures are in the best interest of public safety. The Federal Highway Administration has put forth specific criteria for bridges to be open to the public, and should any bridge fail to meet these requirements, it must be either closed or repaired.
In addition, to protect local communities, the government can introduce financial support schemes, such as subsidizing repairs or replacement of bridges or providing tax relief to affected businesses in order to reduce the socio-economic burden. These can be effective measures to ensure the affected communities are able to cope with short term bridge closures.
Future of Bridges Along the Mississippi River
As a major waterway, the Mississippi River is home to various aging bridges that require constant maintenance. With the ever-evolving infrastructure, many of these bridges are out of date and efficient replacements are necessary for the safety of citizens. In most cases, bridges that are over fifty years old and do not meet the current safety standards must be replaced and modernized.
In terms of bridge construction, advances in materials and technology are leading to better and more efficient bridges. Newer materials such as steel-reinforced concrete and composite materials prove to be even stronger and more resilient, while new methods of construction have made the process of building bridges more efficient and cost-effective.
In the future, bridge closures on the Mississippi River will likely become less frequent, as bridge operators strive to accommodate the growing demand that comes with population increases and economic growth. However, in order to guarantee safe and secure bridges, proper maintenance and inspection protocols must be followed, and government regulations need to remain strict and up-to-date.
Bridges Over the Mississippi River: Challenges and Opportunities
The Mississippi River is home to numerous different bridges and the constant flow of traffic can be a challenge for bridge operators. With an ever-changing environment and influx of foot traffic, bridges must act as a secure and reliable barrier between land and water. The risk of bridge closure is always present and routine maintenance is often required to prevent such occurrences.
Furthermore, due to increasing population growth, more bridges are needed to accommodate the demand. In certain cases, it is necessary to construct new bridges in order to accommodate the growing number of vehicles, while in others bridges need to be repaired or replaced in order to remain efficient and safe. In either case, bridge operators must explore every available option to ensure the best possible bridge solution.
This presents both a challenge and an opportunity, as bridge operators must find ways to meet the needs of the public in a safe and effective manner. At the same time, bridge construction sends off a ripple effect, creating jobs and stimulating the local economy. Overall, the challenge of managing bridges over the Mississippi River is an opportunity for those individuals with the skill set to develop new, innovative solutions.
