Tobin Bridge drops metal, concrete

Just after I blogged Aug. 2 about the huge 2.5 mile Tobin Bridge over the Mystic River/Boston Harbor and connecting the city with to communuties to the north, bits of concrete and metals shards started falling on the Chelsea Yacht Club damaging some boats. No one was hurt and Massachusetts Port Authority officials said the bridge, which carries 76,000 vehicles a day, is safe although they have stepped up inspections.  The bridge turns 60 in 2010 and when traffic is bumper to bumper during rush hour, it gets a bit bouncy especially when an 18-wheeler tanker passes you by. 

In May, officials announced the aging structure would be painted. In some cases that can cost more than actual bridge construction. Indeed that was the case 50 miles to the north on virtually the same highway (Route 1/95) with the Piscataqua River Bridge which opened in 1972. 

The topic of highway and railroad bridges is a hot one with the Aug. 1 collapse of the I35-W Bridge connecting Minneapolis and St. Paul. Today’s quiz: how many gallons of paint will it take to paint the Tobin Bridge (no Googling allowed)?