WA: I-5 bridge collapses; state seeks WWII style 'Bailey Bridge'

[Emily]

Completely unexpected. This bridge passed inspection and was not on the dangerous bridge list.

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57586023/i-5-bridge-collapses-in-nw-wash.-people-in-water/

Photos:

http://www.king5.com/news/local/Report-I-5-bridge-collapses-over-Skagit-River-cars-in-water-208758631.html?gallery=y&img=0&c=y&c=y#/news/local/Report-I-5-bridge-collapses-over-Skagit-River-cars-in-water-208758631.html?gallery=y&img=13&c=y&c=y&auto=slide

A witness says that an oversized load hit the top of the bridge right before the collapse.

 

[Emily]

Re: WA: I-5 bridge collapses; state seeks WWII style 'Bailey Bridge'

All 3 people in the water were saved. There is an amazing story about a Navy veteran who, once regaining consciousness, popped his own dislocated shoulder into the socket so he could free his wife, (they had been headed out on a camping trip when they were caught in the collapse), before she was submerged in water.

KOMO: Collapse survivor: 'It was a rough day. I'm glad to be breathing'

Here's the story on the Bailey bridge:

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2013/05/24/bailey-bridge-could-be-short-term-fix.html

They have been used by the state for emergencies before and a company in Alabama still make them. I-5 is a the major north/south commerce and tourism route. A lot of trade with Canada travels this route. Emergency operations are being impacted in the local area, too.
Traffic is being routed through a rural area and there is conflict with tractors already, so that's an accident waiting to happen.

 

[Emily]

Re: WA: I-5 bridge collapses; state seeks WWII style 'Bailey Bridge'

Tragically, there has already been an accident. A state trooper has been hit by a truck and killed while directing traffic detouring around the collapsed bridge.

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/WSP-motorcycle-trooper-seriously-injured-in-collision-209750551.html

WSP motorcycle trooper killed in Conway crash
By KOMO Staff Published: May 31, 2013 at 6:41 PM PDT Last Updated: May 31, 2013 at 11:24 PM PDT
[snip]
O'Connell is only the second trooper to be killed in the line of duty since 1999, and the first since trooper Tony Radulescu was gunned down in February 2012.

A Navy veteran, O'Connell is survived by his wife and two children, ages 5- and 7-years old, according to Batiste said.