Hank Investigates: Bad Bridges

We checked out the worst bridge in Taunton--town officials say it's desperately in need of repairs. But we also found that every afternoon it's crossed by buses full of kids.

In Dover, a bridge is blocked to heavy-truck traffic until it's repaired. Trucks are prohibited from crossing, but we watched truck drivers repeatedly defy the warnings.

Frank Moretti, bridge expert
"It's a serious threat to the average motorist who's out there."

And we found there are risky rides in almost every Massachusetts community--bridges that could be putting you in danger--bridges with cracking foundations, rotting ironwork, crumbling concrete, splintering beams and gaping holes.

Ron Whitmore, for instance, was driving under a bridge at i-495 in Lawrence when…

Ron Whitmore
"I was right about here…"

…a concrete piece from the bridge--the size of a bowling ball--came smashing through his windshield!

Ron Whitmore
"It was like an explosion right in my lap!"

National bridge expert Frank Moretti says this is the result of a bridge in serious distress.

Frank Moretti
"And that's beyond a warning signal."

In fact, we found warning signals all over the state. We analyzed every bridge in Massachusetts using this elaborate federal database. The result: more than 600 bridges that engineers call "structurally deficient," and must be repaired or replaced.

That has town officials concerned.

Craig Hughes, Dover inspector
"It's our job to keep the public safe and right now I don't feel comfortable in the situation."

And look how many communities are on this highway department list to be reconstructed: In Lawrence, eleven bridges; in Lowell, sixteen; In Boston, twenty-one! State officials admit the list goes on and on.

Hank
"Is it frustrating to you to have that many?"

Matthew Amorello,
Commissioner, Mass. Highway Dept.
"I think it's a number we need to reduce."

One problem is that many Massachusetts bridges are simply old. One bridge in Taunton was built the same year Warren Harding was inaugurated.

Hank
"Is this bridge as safe as it can be?"

Craig Hughes, Dover inspector
"No."

State officials know there are bad bridges out there--inspectors check for problems at least every two years, but even when critical deficiencies are found, repairs don't instantly follow.

Hank
"How long have you been waiting to have this bridge fixed now?"

Craig Hughes, Dover inspector
"Six to eight years!"

Hank
"And what could be the ultimate result?"

Craig
"Failure of the bridge."

Town officials across the state told us the same thing--their bridges can't wait much longer. A bridge on the way from Dedham to Boston is waiting. Another bridge in Lakeville, over the Nemasket River... waiting. And in Amesbury: eight of the town's twelve bridges are awaiting repairs! Three had simply to be closed.

Mayor Nicholas Costello, Amesbury
"It's a public safety danger."

What if your house was on fire and you lived on this street? What if you lived here and you needed emergency medical help?

Amesbury resident
"God forbid what if an ambulance comes halfway and they can't get over the bridge--things like that. I think it definitely should be fixed."

But that won't happen any time soon.

Hank
"Why isn't this bridge fixed?"

Mayor Nick Costello
"They don't have the money to get the job done."

"They" are the Massachusetts Highway Department, and they are in charge of bridge repair.

Hank
"Is every bridge in mass as safe as it should be?"

Matthew Amorello
"Is every bridge as safe as it should be? Well no. We have bridges that we need to work on..."

State officials did bring out a chart showing they are repairing bad bridges, but they worry a cut in federal funding could change that.

Matthew
"We got whacked forty percent we lost forty percent of our Federal Highway dollars coming to Massachusetts..."

And we've learned sixty more bridges will soon be added to this repair list.

Matthew
"We are playing catch up here in mass. For the years of neglect when we were not maintaining a statewide road and bridge program."

Until they do catch up, Massachusetts' drivers--as Ron Whitmore knows--may be in for a risky ride.

Hank
"Do you think this could this happen again?"

Ron Whitmore
"The chances of this happening again are pretty good."

State officials say they're now begging the legislature for money to make up for the cut in federal funds. If they don't get it, they warn, cities and towns are just going to have to keep waiting to get their bad bridges repaired.