Thursday, November 10, 2011
How to climb the Rainbow Bridge
It's one of the most historic...and steepest...bridges in Texas. Built in 1938, the Rainbow Bridge between Bridge City and Port Arthur still serves as one of the tallest in the state.
Keeping that bridge in working order is an important job TxDOT inspectors and engineers take seriously. One of more than 1500 bridges in the Beaumont District, the Rainbow is inspected by a team of structural engineers armed with technology and experience.
Our latest video introduces you to the team of engineers and the support group whose job it is to go over virtually every nut and bolt. Find out why there's something much better at the end of this "Rainbow" than a pot of gold.
Marc S.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I rode a bicycle over and back on that bridge in 1953. Since then, I have learned that 4 others also did it. Had to ride the brakes on the way down. AWESOME!
ReplyDeleteWOW! Thanks guys! I hope your jaob and our safety are not part of budget cuts/
ReplyDeleteBrave soul taking a ride on a bike, especially back in 1953! Have to admit, though, that I sort of envy you.
ReplyDeleteAs for budget cuts, bridge safety will always be paramounst. Most, if any cuts, would affect adding extra travel lanes ot existing highways>
Regards!
Marc S
thank you t-dot for keeping the bridges safe for all of us..I use this bridge two to three times a week and I never think about the safety of the structure...Thanks Again F>D>
ReplyDeleteMr grandfather also rode is bike over it in the 50s.
ReplyDeleteWhen the bridge was opened to traffic in 1938, I was a second grader at Groves school. Our teacher escorted us to the second floor so we could see the long line of cars making the crossing. Only a day before, any trip across the Neches River was made on a small ferry -- actually a barge secured to a tugboat. When I was 13 or 14, there was limited traffic across the bridge. World War II was underway, gasoline was rationed, so no one went "joy riding." Except, that is for adventuresome boys: we walked our bikes to the top of the bridge and zoomed downhill. First one to apply the brake was "chicken." Politics, I understand, was the reason for the bridge's height. Certain interests in Beaumont opposed a Louisiana-Port Arthur "shortline." They tried to block construction by insisting any Naval vessel headed to Beaumont would not be impeded.
ReplyDeleteI was a refinery equipment inspector and loved the high work( flare stacks, towers,etc.) I would have loved to have done the brige inspection. Great job,keep up the good work!!!
ReplyDelete