!
Assuming bridge inspectors check it frequently due to the moist and salty environment, I'm assuming they haven't found any major issues. If there was major structure integrity compromise, the bridge would have to be repaired immediately or closed to traffic until repaired. It could be just surface rust though, it's a problem if the rust penetrates and weakens the structure and connections which I think is what happened on the I-35 collapse in Minneapolis
Could reduce the bridge complex to a single span in event of emergency repairs, but that'd make for a downright frightening two-way single-span drive.
A more novel way around the problem would be some sort of contingency ferry between Annapolis and Stevensville (although the devil is in the detail).
Quote from: Mccojm on August 10, 2020, 12:44:54 PM
Assuming bridge inspectors check it frequently due to the moist and salty environment, I'm assuming they haven't found any major issues. If there was major structure integrity compromise, the bridge would have to be repaired immediately or closed to traffic until repaired. It could be just surface rust though, it's a problem if the rust penetrates and weakens the structure and connections which I think is what happened on the I-35 collapse in Minneapolis
MDTA spends a lot of money on paint and rust control, and inspections of both structures that make up the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and all of the components.