http://www.ntsb.gov/doclib/reports/2014/HAB1401.pdf
From the Brief:
QuoteConstruction costs for a new crossing are estimated to be $4 billion
Ouch!
QuoteThe first bridge had two lanes, was opened on July 30, 1952, and cost $45 million. The second bridge had three lanes, was a "modernized look alike", and cost $148 million, and opened on June 28, 1973.
http://www.roadstothefuture.com/Chesapeake_Bay_Bridge.html
And just yesterday:
Tractor-trailer crash jams Chesapeake Bay Bridge (http://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/local/2014/03/26/tractor-trailer-crash-jams-chesapeake-bay-bridge/6916949/?from=global&sessionKey=&autologin=)
That one was on the westbound span.
Thanks for sharing this.
I've never felt unsafe crossing the Bay Bridge. Apparently that's not a normal feeling.
Quote from: hbelkins on March 27, 2014, 09:52:32 PM
I've never felt unsafe crossing the Bay Bridge. Apparently that's not a normal feeling.
Nor I.
Though I go out of my way to avoid driving east on the westbound span - that is not a pleasant experience.
Quote from: cpzilliacus on March 27, 2014, 10:34:01 PM
Though I go out of my way to avoid driving east on the westbound span - that is not a pleasant experience.
That's one of the things that can suck about using the Express EZ-Pass lane. The last 2 times I've used it (once in '12, once in '13 - both summer) it was automatically shunted into the contra-flow lane of the WB span, and I wasn't gonna try running over cones to avoid it. I mean, it isn't really *that* bad, but I'd prefer to be on the EB span (but apparently not enough to decide to wait in toll booth lines).
Quote from: Mr_Northside on March 28, 2014, 03:14:56 PM
Quote from: cpzilliacus on March 27, 2014, 10:34:01 PM
Though I go out of my way to avoid driving east on the westbound span - that is not a pleasant experience.
That's one of the things that can suck about using the Express EZ-Pass lane. The last 2 times I've used it (once in '12, once in '13 - both summer) it was automatically shunted into the contra-flow lane of the WB span, and I wasn't gonna try running over cones to avoid it. I mean, it isn't really *that* bad, but I'd prefer to be on the EB span (but apparently not enough to decide to wait in toll booth lines).
I don't use that left E-ZPass lane for precisely that reason.
What I have found works the best to avoid the contraflow lane when headed east is to get as far to the right as possible. There is usually an E-ZPass only lane open, and the further to the right, the less waiting time.