A Tale of Two Bridges

 It's not actually two bridges. It had two different names over time, and it consolidated the traffic of two streets that hadn't crossed the interstate for decades, but some planners (planners/politicians/grifters) decided it was necessary, and threatened to kill a puppy if it wasn't built. (No, they didn't plan to kill a puppy, but probably threatened to elect a more terrible derelict to Texas Congress. That's probably worse). It won't be standing much longer. Demolition is soon to start.

The bridge is masterpiece of glut, unnecessary embellishment, and for those that I knew that built it, a thing of beauty and accomplishment. Formwork required panels that reflected stonework of a time past, and the lighting was of a past century. The safety rails took some fancy detailing in formwork to reflect bannisters of an expensive staircase. I was impressed with the work. 

 It is beautiful, but in reality, the amount of traffic it allows convenience never satisfied the cost. That, and when I first drove under the finished bridge, I wondered if the clearance would become a problem in the future. That, and glad my commute through that area didn't have to deal with the construction traffic due to the bridge.

The interstate is in the process of expansion. Two main travel lanes in each direction are not enough. They haven't been for years, but funding wasn't available. The bottleneck at two major exchanges requires much more pavement, and from what I'm seeing, flyovers will be required. The bridge that had the name of a local politician, after the name of the two streets it consolidated, is in the way. In April, it will close, and the traffic on the interstate will become a nightmare for those traveling to, and from, across Texas. Demolition of a bridge over a live interstate requires detours, detours require the walls of death, and the carnage will begin.

So, progress is on the way. It requires me to avoid that section of the local city if I decide to visit. I already avoid it as much as I can, but now have another very good reason to not visit. It's looking too much like parts of Houston, and the traffic is sometimes worse. 

In a few months, there will be a much different appearance of this area.