With the Arlington Memorial Bridge as a backdrop, local, state and national leaders on Monday called for a renewed emphasis on investing in the nation's infrastructure.
bridge1 "The bridge is a really good example of what happens when you defer maintenance,'' park service director Jonathan Jarvis told The Associated Press. (WTOP/Andrew Mollenbeck)
WTOP/Andrew Mollenbeck
Corrosion appears on support beams for Arlington Memorial Bridge's sidewalk and roadway. (WTOP/Andrew Mollenbeck)
WTOP/Andrew Mollenbeck
Corrosion appears on columns for Arlington Memorial Bridge's sidewalk and roadway. (WTOP/Andrew Mollenbeck)
WTOP/Andrew Mollenbeck
bridge5 Corrosion shows on parts of the Arlington Memorial Bridge. (WTOP/Andrew Mollenbeck)
WTOP/Andrew Mollenbeck
Corrosion shows on parts of the Arlington Memorial Bridge. (WTOP/Andrew Mollenbeck)
WTOP/Andrew Mollenbeck
The bridge, now more than 80 years old, has deteriorated from corrosion. Lane closures in each direction may last into next year while repairs are underway. (WTOP/Andrew Mollenbeck)
WTOP/Andrew Mollenbeck
The bridge, now more than 80 years old, has deteriorated from corrosion. Lane closures in each direction may last into next year while repairs are underway. (WTOP/Andrew Mollenbeck)
WTOP/Andrew Mollenbeck
Part of the support structure of the Arlington Memorial Bridge. (WTOP/Andrew Mollenbeck)
WTOP/Andrew Mollenbeck
Water can be seen through a portion of the support structure of the Arlington Memorial Bridge. (WTOP/Andrew Mollenbeck)
WASHINGTON – With the Arlington Memorial Bridge as a backdrop, local, state and national leaders on Monday called for a renewed emphasis on investing in the nation’s infrastructure.
The bridge, now more than 80 years old, has deteriorated from corrosion. Lane closures in each direction may last into next year while repairs are underway.
“Please, look at this bridge,” said Rep. Don Beyer, D-VA. “Two lanes closed on one of the most important entrances to our nation’s capital.”
Speakers called the troubled and tired bridge symbolic of America’s infrastructure challenges generally.
Some estimates say 70,000 bridges in the country are structurally deficient.
“The solution is for Congress to be leaders and recognize the importance of infrastructure,” says Sen. Tim Kaine, D-VA. “Frankly, this one is not complicated and it’s not controversial.
