Engineer on bridge safety, infrastructure – new video uploaded to AP Video Hub

In the video, Bowman explains what might cause a bridge collapse and how they are maintained to keep people safe. All videos in the Campus Insights series are free for download and use by all AP members and can be found at apvideohub.ap.org or by doing a general search on the Associated Press site. AP members may use the video or to pull quotes for print article or for broadcast or podcast.

STORYLINE

After the recent bridge collapse in Pittsburgh, Bowman says that his first thoughts were on factors that could lead to structural failure. As a bridge ages, the condition of the structure deteriorates. Natural disasters, vehicle accidents and mistakes during construction or maintenance of the bridge can all lead to a collapse. These can occur regardless of the age of the bridge, but older bridges can be more susceptible. To prevent this, Bowman says that bridges are inspected frequently. Following a bridge collapse in 1967, Congress passed a rule stating that all bridges had to be inspected on a two-year cycle. Bowman says that while bridge collapses do occur, it is not a common event. He does not think drivers and pedestrians need to worry about traveling over bridges.