Panelists answered the following question: Are you concerned about the seismic safety of bridges in California?
Marty Richman: “Yes, the recent multimillion dollar error on the new Bay Bridge shows how difficult it is to design and build them to spec. It also appears we are seeing more failures due to old designs, accidents, aging, and lack of maintenance.”
Richard Place: “No I’m not. I’m more concerned with the bridge in my mouth.”
Ruth Erickson: “I am concerned because our infrastructure is in such poor repair.”
Mary Zanger: “No. The abundance of research and bridge technology available from our universities allays my concerns. Much engineering technology is also available from Japan, which has experienced the 9.0 and has more bridges than California. Caltrans principle engineer Brian Maroney appears to be thoroughly competent and qualified. Political will is the missing link.”
