Bridge Inspection

In light of certain revelations that Minnesota could be considered "infrastructurally challenged" Maya has taken it upon herself to do some bridge inspection in the neighborhood. Now some bureaucratic minded types might say, "but Maya is not a structural engineer." This is true, but then neither are the bridge inspectors from the MN Department of Transportation so lest not one amateur accuse another, right?

Our first bridge to be scrutinized was the West 7th Street bridge crossing the Mississippi. All indication suggests that this bridge is sound and reliable, however Maya is concerned about the number of spiders on this bridge and is going to request a supplemental one million dollars of federal money to go towards spider removal. Spiders really don't effect the structural integrity of the bridge so much as they are just creepy.


Next up was the Mendota Bridge crossing the Minnesota River. This bridge showed some signs of rusting in the steel supports however Maya thinks this can be remedied with a "good painting."


Last was this bridge in the middle of nowhere made entirely of stone which is used for absolutely nothing. It is Maya's opinion that this bridge be completely torn down and replaced with one made entirely of titanium. (In the interest of full disclosure Maya has recently taken a small advisory position with the National Titanium Manufactures Association, however she assures me this in no way reflects on her dispassionate and objective recommendations.)