06-27-2015, 03:54 PM
Definitely premature. A conventional bridge has a lifespan of 50-80 years, with a full rehabilitation expected and needed at it's midlife point.
I think one of the complications here is this bridge is anchored on both sides by a retaining wall - one of which is about 50 years old from when Highway 8 was originally built, and the other wall 12 years that was built along with the bridge when Highway 8 was widened through this stretch. Hopefully the problems with the expansion joint are on the 50 year old side, not the 12 year old side.
I think one of the complications here is this bridge is anchored on both sides by a retaining wall - one of which is about 50 years old from when Highway 8 was originally built, and the other wall 12 years that was built along with the bridge when Highway 8 was widened through this stretch. Hopefully the problems with the expansion joint are on the 50 year old side, not the 12 year old side.