I-95 bridge replacement should make America proud

What an incredible accomplishment is occurring with reopening of six lanes in both directions of Philadelphia’s I-95 bridge only two weeks after its destruction by a gas tanker explosion. Experts predicted reopening could take a year or more.

Just the opposite occurred. A collaboration of professionals from all disciplines devised a temporary six-lane bridge to be built between, and incorporated into the eventual permanent bridge.

This plan required designing both the temporary and permanent bridges; manufacturing and procuring all the necessary structural steel beams and numerous other materials; hiring and coordinating several construction contractors and a crew of hardhat workers; obtaining all the necessary permits, government permissions and financing, and on and on!

The people involved with this project certainly had a “can-do” attitude. What they did is not only a fantastic feat, but also a worthy example for others to follow. Every day we are swamped with plenty of negative head-shaking news. This story should make every American proud and optimistic, and demonstrates qualities that can only have a positive effect. Thank you to the I-95 bridge reconstruction team.

Paul Gallo

Barre

]]>