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Diane Oestreich: Save Our "Signature" Bridges
Thursday January 16, @08:42AM, by Diane Oestreich
Subject : Bridge Issues
Summary :
In a letter to the Quad City Times and the Rock Island Argus, Diane Oestreich argues that the existing I-74 spans should be preserved by law.
Text :
Recent news articles have told how the cities of Moline and Bettendorf voted
to turn down the generous offer of the gift of a bridge (or two) from the
Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT).
Why would anyone turn down a free gift? In this case, it’s pretty easy. By
telling those cities they could have the bridge if they are willing commit
future millions for maintenance, it is almost guaranteed that the cities
will have to say, "No thanks." And then when that expected response is
forthcoming, the cities end up being the bad guys, not the DOT.
Underlying this issue is the fact that it seems there’s never been a serious
intent to save the historic bridges. While the DOT and its consultants go
through the motions, the planning options for the new bridges and their
ramps pretty much assume the old ones will be gone.
Let’s be realistic. I believe that Moline and Bettendorf could be induced
to take on the day-to-day maintenance of the bridges – cleaning, plowing,
etc – just as they do on public streets. What they cannot commit to is
paying for periodic major maintenance such as painting or roadway
rebuilding.
But there’s another way. Consider the following. One bridge is already
eligible for the National Register of Historic Places and the other will be
by the time it would be demolished. The National Historic Preservation Act
of 1966 requires that the effect of federal expenditures on historic
structures be studied. If there is a potential negative effect – as
demolition is -- there are other requirements. At a minimum, such
properties must be extensively documented. Or they may be moved. The good
news is that expenses for historic preservation are, by law, considered to
be a legitimate part of the entire project cost.
The natural conclusion is that the expenses to preserve and reuse the
historic spans should be a planned part of the total cost of the I-74
corridor modification. Various schemes for use of these bridges should be
seriously explored. If the consultants and the DOT would work under the
premise that at least one of these bridges MUST remain, the studies and
recommendations would be quite different.
So, Moline and Bettendorf, it’s up to you. Go back to the DOT. Tell them
you want to keep these historic "signature" bridges and that you don’t want
to be blackmailed. Demand that the real options for reuse be explored by
assuming these bridges will stay and that major long-term expenses will be
funded as a very small percentage of the total I-74 corridor cost. The
community deserves no less.
By the way, there are those among us who even question the need for any new
bridge in this location. But that’s another letter.
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Re: Diane Oestreich: Save Our "Signature" Bridges
Thursday January 16, @08:46AM, by Brian Gillette
By its own admission, IDOT says these spans are good for fifty years. If the states can't afford to treat these spans properly, they should squander the taxpayers' money somewhere else.
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Re: Diane Oestreich: Save Our "Signature" Bridges
Friday January 17, @11:08PM, by Bob Kauth
I liked Diane's letter very much.
I do have a few questions or suggestions:
#1 : Has anyone run the numbers on taking the money needed to demolish the twin bridges and putting it into a trust fund, (drawing interest and dividends)
that would be used to pay for the repainting of the bridge. Let the cities take care of plowing snow.
#2 : Why don't we take down the stupid sign on I80 Eastbound, north of Davenport, that says "I74 Peoria " and directs the strangers on a 10 minutes longer, congested trip thru the Quad Cities, instead of just staying on I80 and going around the North East side of it. It would take about 10 minutes for the sign to be unbolted by a highway crew, and would save some traffic across our I74 bridge.
#3. : Why has the IDOT not commissioned a study of the costs and feasibility of a pair of tunnels, one on either side of the I74 bridge, that would carry thru and/or local traffic. There are lots of starting places on either side of the river that would allow the tunnels to go underground without tearing up our downtowns. Look at the areas near the current exit and entrance ramps for the bridge, and divert that traffic underground.
I have contacted tunnel design engineering firms that would be happy to do a feasibility study.
Bob Kauth
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