By Shelley Kofler, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-614782.mp3
Dallas, TX – Inspectors from the Texas Department of Transportation's Bridge Division are fanning out across the state. This week they began inspecting bridges similar in construction to the failed bridge in Minnesota.
Texas is home to 16 steel deck truss bridges that carry vehicular traffic. They're the type that collapsed in Minnesota. State transportation spokesman Mark Ball says these bridges tend to be older. One in Erath County dates back to 1906.
Ball says the bridges are recognizable because their steel supports are x-shaped and visible. They contrast in appearance to more modern bridges that embed steel support within concrete.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters has asked states to make inspections of steel deck truss bridges a priority. In responding to that request Texas officials say inspections of other bridges may be delayed for a short time.
In North Texas, crews will take a close look at three Fort Worth Bridges: The Northbound and Southbound University Drive bridges over I-30, and the Lancaster Bridge over the Trinity River near Forest Park Boulevard.
Mark Ball says the inspections include visual observation from below and from the paved surface. Teams will use equipment to drop down over the guardrail and peer up under the structures. They may use seismic equipment to check for cracks and fissures.
Texas transportation officials describe the inspections as a precaution, and continue to insist bridges in Texas are safe.