Are Kentucky's Bridges Safe?

Jennifer Moore

Contributor

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In light of the recent fatalities and injuries resulting from the Minneapolis bridge collapse, it is important to make sure Kentucky's bridges are safe. Unfortunately, according to federal records, bridge safety has deteriorated under Governor Fletcher's administration. In December 2003, Kentucky's 13,523 bridges showed 1,175 classified as SD (structurally deficient) and another 2,872 designated FO (functionally obsolete) -- total of 4,047, or 29.9% of all KY bridges, had serious problems. Since Fletcher took office, Kentucky's 13,637 bridges showed 1,362 classified as SD and 2,927 as FO in December 2006. That means that in Fletcher's three years another 242 bridges have been added to the SD or FO category, 4,289 total bridges having serious problems, or 31.5%.

What is this administration doing to ensure that a bridge tragedy like the one in Minneapolis does not occur in Kentucky?

In 2004 Kentucky ranked 18th among the 50 states for most unsound bridges. We should demand higher safety standards for Kentucky's bridges to prevent travelers from being injured.