[PWRichard]

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/08/01/bri...pse/index.html



http://www.startribune.com/10136/gallery/1338445.html
(membership needed for gallery - Story can be gotten to once I think before having to have membership)


http://www.teamut.com/msg_threadshow...61&forum_id=14

Looks like the center portion snapped, maybe near the "far side" of the bridge. This caused the collapse of the land side and a pulling/colapse of the "near" side.

I would bet money on fatigue, because rust and decay are easily spotted in structural examinations.

If this bridge was not detailed properly for prolonged use, fatigue stress of key elements in the bridge could cause catestrophic failure. I smell a lawsuit and an engineering company in a heap of trouble