Jay Thomas

Fri, Jun 11, 2010 : 6:34 p.m.

This bridge is the Mayor's albatross. He's been here the whole time; the council hasn't. An absolute failure of leadership for which there is no legitimate excuse. As to getting the University to pay for it... good luck. But I suppose there is a case to be made for that -- the city receiving nothing in taxes for the vast athletic complex and golf course by the bridges, but expected to provide roads to them (and for everyone across SE Michigan on game day!).

Bob Heinold

Thu, Jun 10, 2010 : 1:14 p.m.

Twelve reasons! If that bridge is so vital, why the hell did the city let it get into such poor condition. This is another step on the to Ann Arbor becoming pre-Giuliani NYC.

mike from saline

Thu, Jun 10, 2010 : 8:56 a.m.

Note to diangenes. The question, Why should tax payers who don't live in [or, may never set foot in] Ann Arbor, be forced to pay for these repairs, has aleady been answered by "lokalisierung". NO 1, It's free money! NO 2, Other rich communities have already recieved there free money.

Richard C

Thu, Jun 10, 2010 : 7:19 a.m.

Using the past as a guide to the future, I expect that something like the following will happen: (1) The remaining spans of the bridge will be be condemns (or worse) before the city gets past the "Begging other governments for money" stage. (2) City Council (and perhaps the Mayor) will be stunned into noisy insensibility for at least a week, while in the meantime City, County, University, and State staff will set up a quick "skunkworks" project to put a span back into place. (3) The City Council (and maybe the Mayor) will take credit for the skunkworks project and go back to squabbling about which of their cronies to favor. (4) It'll take 2 to 4 months to install the skunkworks bridge. It'll look awful, shake and shimmy every time a bus goes over (or under), but'll be excused as a "temporary measure". (5) City Council (and possibly the Mayor) will get turfed out - either fail re-election or recalled. The Republican party - caugth napping - will put up a few strange and weird characters, who will get elected. (6) The new City Council will start squabbling about which of their cronies to favor. (7) 15 years on, after many closures and repairs costing 100 times as much as a properly done project, we'll be back to where we are.

Diagenes

Wed, Jun 9, 2010 : 8:57 p.m.

The article gives reasons why the bridge needs replacement but not why the tax dollars of people who live in other states and will never drive over that bridge have to pay for its repair? That question is unanswered, because their is no good answer. Margaret Thatcher said "the trouble with socialism is that eventually you run out of other peoples money".

Arno B

Wed, Jun 9, 2010 : 2:49 p.m.

Of course City Hall wants "Federal Funds" to pay for the City's neglected infrastructure. Naturally there is no glamour in talking about maintenance or upkeep. (Good example: the old YMCA. Politicians who championed its purchase long ago are long gone). There is also comfort in acquiring "Federal Funds": After all, "Someone else" is paying for it! Never mind that the funds were initially taken by force from productive taxpayers, had a brokerage fee deducted, and then are to be handed out to political favorites. For a Lansing equivalent of this, just go down to the Greyhound Station on Huron. Look at the sides of the busses which say "Property of the State of Michigan." It is not surprising that fuel and road taxes go elsewhere with not enough to maintain items such as the bridges.

Ray D. Aider

Wed, Jun 9, 2010 : 12:41 p.m.

I thought a few weeks ago John Dingell sounded like he was going to go to bat for all of his fine constituents in A2. Then they could hang campaign posters off the sides of it or something. You see, if it weren't for Ann Arbor's taught and learned liberalism, Dingell wouldn't have lasted as long as he has, I assure you. I am not going to suggest what should be done about the bridge because I don't live in Ann Arbor and it's none of my business, BUT NOT with Federal funds. John Dingell is my business because I feel that he doesn't represent my views in very many ways...and he's been in there for too long. I can see right through him if he's concerned about your bridge.

Lokalisierung

Wed, Jun 9, 2010 : 11:25 a.m.

"I didn't do a scientific study but I think there's a definite problem with the possibility of the bridge(s) collapsing." This statement just sort of cancels itself out. But, point taken on game day traffic.

JSA

Wed, Jun 9, 2010 : 11:06 a.m.

I don't live in Ann Arbor but I would object to any Federal funds for these bridges. That would be rewarding decades of bad behavior by Ann Arbor politicians who continue to vote ideology over economic reality. I would think a bond issue is the only option other than tearing down the bridges and making Stadium level. The citizens of Ann Arbor elect these people and they should be the ones to throw them out for incompetence.

MG

Wed, Jun 9, 2010 : 8:10 a.m.

So we have a city who chose to take its water cash reserves (which were set aside for water main replacement over the past 30 years) and spend it elsewhere. Then they felt cash strapped and started charging the Water department a fee for police services (which in turn raised your rates). Then we passed the Greenbelt tax so the city could waste millions of dollars on a bad initiative. The only reason the City wanted Greenbelt was to artificially raise property values which would have translated into more tax revenue. That initiative is a disaster and we all have millions of valuable tax dollars tied up in that plan. Then, we had a bright council member suggest a couple years back that taxpayers now start paying for street light electricity with a special millage. How about the other council member that wanted to create revenue by extending parking meter hours to 10pm? Instead we spent time and money getting legal help to write a city ordinance against cell phone usage within the City limits, which didn't go anywhere until they understood they shouldn't be doing the State's job. I guess these people all forgot the basics of what a city government is truly there for. And of course we have a City who didn't believe in a 30 year road fund to take care of basic road problems that would eventually crop up, and as a result we are in the predicament we are in. They call foul to the Federal government all the while spending lavishly on parks and bicycle lanes. Don't forget the great underground garage project next to the Library which is now underway and doesn't even have a solid plan yet. I can't wait for City parking rates to increase to start paying for that. All this is great money mismanagement and its finally showing now that the City has to actually think about spending responsibly in tough times. Asking U-M to pay for it? Come on. First, its not their responsibility to bail out the City for their mismanagement. If you think U-M is cash rich, then you don't understand the economics of their budget. Don't mix up research (which is tightly controlled federal grant money) or endowments (which are made up of gifts and are spent to provide financial aid for students) with the ecosystem of state appropriation and tuition which pays for the true teaching component of the University. Due to the University's own tremendous money management since 2002, they have been able to plan for these bad times. The City should have done the same thing with their finances.

discgolfgeek

Wed, Jun 9, 2010 : 6:46 a.m.

The Federal Gov't is running a 1 trillion dollar deficit and everyone across the country has their hand out asking for federal money -- pathetic. What we are witnessing here in the 2000s is the beginning of the end of our great eventually bankrupt country.

John-Maize Blueblood

Wed, Jun 9, 2010 : 5:27 a.m.

What about U of M using this project as an opportunity for Civil Engineering students to get some hands-on training. U of M could also create a partnership with the Army Corps of Engineers, which in turn could get some Army Reservists to work on the project. Perfect way to get the job done very economically with astronomical return on the investment.

kef

Wed, Jun 9, 2010 : 1:06 a.m.

What about not having bridges at these sites? The question has been raised, multiple times, as to why we should not consider simply tearing down the bridges and making Stadium a surface road that crosses a railroad track (a railroad that seldom has trains during the day)and State street. I've yet to hear an answer to this question. How much would a surface road cost? Surely not $23M.

snapshot

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 9:44 p.m.

Lok....On a game day with folks carpooling over and under the bridge on State st. Could happen. Not to mention pedestrians walking across and under the bridge(s) I didn't do a scientific study but I think there's a definite problem with the possibility of the bridge(s) collapsing. Without actually x-raying the steel supports and the concrete the internal cracks can't be seen. To just do a visual inspection is irresponsible and I haven't read anything about x-raying

Joe Hood

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 9:32 p.m.

@AlphaAlpha: You're forgetting that not everyone wants strings attached federal dollars.

AlphaAlpha

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 7:13 p.m.

$600 million nationwide divided into over 3500 counties = less than $175,000 per county, let alone per bridge. Two chances...

Lokalisierung

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 5:42 p.m.

Please explain to me how 40 deaths are going to occur from the bridge collapsing? I'd really like to know.

Kayjay

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 5 p.m.

Your nemesis, Ohio State University, has a beautiful Lane Avenue bridge near the 'shoe, built by the great City of Columbus, because there the city appreciates that the sports program brings millions to the coffers. I don't see that in A2. Not only the lousy East Stadium bridges, but did you ever take a look at the sidewalks north of Pioneer HS on a rainy gameday? All muddy, broken, and full of puddles. Is that fan appreciation??

Kayjay

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 4:45 p.m.

Why wasn't the issue of replacing the bridges addressed years ago, when times were good in Ann Arbor??

Claire L.

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 4:42 p.m.

When i drive over that bridge i cringe mostly because its so narrow i feel like my car is going to scrap across the cement wall. Also during football season that bridge and state street below it get a lot of use, so if they are going to fix i up, they should do it soon before football season starts and all the students come back.

snapshot

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 4:33 p.m.

"We expect the bridge to sustain the load this year and next" News flash, Stadium Bridge collapses, Kills 40 people" Oh well, we thought it would hold up, guess it didn't. Must have been the "stadium traffic". If a parent accidently leaves a child in a car unattended, authorities can send them to prison and take the kids, but our bureacrats can endanger the lives of the citizens, even cause their death through negligence, and they have a "get out of jail" card with their immunity "for doing their job". I 'suspect' the bridge will collapse when we least "expect" it. I just hope it doesn't kill anybody, and if it does, I want somebody to go to jail for negligent manslaughter. This bridge should be closed to traffic. Keeping it open is endangering lives. The people of Ann Arbor are like sheep being led to slaughter if they continue to use this bridge.

Ryan J. Stanton

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 3:57 p.m.

@Lokalisierung That's my theory, if I had to guess.

Lokalisierung

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 3:24 p.m.

Ryan, Would it have to with eliminating the "worse half" of the bridge, therefore maybe it doesn't factor into the number? Just a guess.

SonnyDog09

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 3:20 p.m.

I'd just like to remind some posters that money from the feds is not "free money." That money is money that the federal government borrows from the Chinese that your grand children will have to pay back.

Top Cat

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 3:16 p.m.

The City Leaders don't seem to be listening to Obama's speeches about accepting responsibility.

Ryan J. Stanton

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 3:14 p.m.

You might notice that the FSR for the span above State Street went back up from 2 to 20.2. Michael Nearing said he is unsure why the FSR has changed. The FSR is calculated based on the information that is contained on the bridge inspection forms that the city is required to fill out and submit to MDOT every two years. Nearing told me he will investigate with MDOT personnel and attempt to determine why the rating was in the mid-twenties for a long period of time, then fell to 2, and then rose back to 20.2.

daytona084

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 3:04 p.m.

I see a list of 12 good reasons why the bridge needs replacing. Not one of them contains a reason why it's the Federal Government's responsibility to pay for it.

Lokalisierung

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 2:47 p.m.

"why should a rich City like Ann Arbor get Federal tax-payers money to repair their own bridge." You need to look at were the first set of Tiger Grants went to. San Fransico, Tucson, Dallas, & other "rich towns."

mike from saline

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 2:43 p.m.

All these comments about The U of M paying for that bridge, are a waste of time. The U of M is NOT going to pay, period! Those comments are DEFLECTING TACTICS, that allow those posting, to avoid talking about the real issue, which is, why should a rich City like Ann Arbor get Federal tax-payers money to repair their own bridge.

brad

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 2:42 p.m.

Ann Arbor is represented by the Dean of the House, John Dingell. With that seniority, why are we still waiting for federal bridge money? My guess is he knows AA is a guaranteed Dem vote, so he spends his waning influence on toss-up areas down river.

timeatwork

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 2:20 p.m.

i'm not understanding the problem. the bridge needs to be repaired/replaced, but not until the engineers determine it to be unsafe. so while the bridge is rapidly approaching the unsafe point, the city is trying to get free money. why not?? why is everyone so mad? the bridge doesn't look amazing, but its still safe. "declaring the bridge an art project would get the job done", but it sounds like the public is judging the bridge as art already. it doesn't look good so it must be a bad bridge. it wil be fixed next year.

xmo

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 2:17 p.m.

Since President Obama was here in May, why didn't somebody ask him for the money?

Lokalisierung

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 2:06 p.m.

"I also predict that there will be a follow up photo-op with Dingle, the mayor,...." Yeah ok. If they are gunna foot some of the 23 million, bring them down and snap some pictures. Better than sitting in the diag singing songs to google.

treetowncartel

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 2:06 p.m.

This story and the photos always remind me of Evel Knievel and the Dukes of Hazzard, yeee hawww! The city should certainly hope no one gets hurt or killed as a result of the condition of this bridge. All this delay and wait and see attitude is doing is making the trial attorney's closing argument that much easier.

mike from saline

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 1:56 p.m.

Relax Ann Arbor. I predict you WILL get the Federal Money. You don't think John Dingle had his buddy fly in from Washington for that cheesy photo-op of him and the Mayor, and every other Democrat that could squeeze into the picture [I forget, was Granholm there Too?], standing under the bridge in hard hats, and reflective vests, if it wasn't in the bag! I also predict that there will be a follow up photo-op with Dingle, the mayor, and every other Democrat who can squeeze into picture, including Granholm, at a presentation ceremony, with one of those gigantic blow up checks. See if I'm not right. This is pure politics. The Democrats in Washington voted themselves a huge slush-fund [the Stimuless money] so they could pay off there supporters. Ann Arbor voters supported the Democrats, and Obama, BIG TIME! Now it's time to get paid. Do I sound overly cynical?

Lokalisierung

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 1:55 p.m.

"that what kind of a neighbor U-M is!!" I agree with everythig you're saying, but I'd rather have the property tax :) But seriously we can't just dump all our probelsm on them. Wait for a grant, then if we don't get it start building a bridge. Then everyone can complain about all the detours from the bridge, how long it's taking to build it, how the workers "aren't working hard enough," and how the whole hting is "folly."

kenUM

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 1:46 p.m.

It is irrelevant who is to blame for the current condition of the Stadium Bridge, fact is it needs to be fixed before we become a lead story on CNN! I for one truly hope that we get the funding from the Feds to replace the bridge. As far as U-M needing to be a good neighbor, I just would like to remind those of you who feel that all of A2's money woes are the result of U-M and it's employees being a leach. U-M has without cost to the City or taxpayers given space for the City's Police Department Detectives to re-locate inside of the Campus Police Station during the City Hall renovation, gives the City a Fire Station located on North Campus, has in the past given the City Fire Department money for new Fire equipment, is paying the entire cost of the Central Campus Transit Center, has pumped millions of $$$ into AATA to improve bus service region wide, U-M's Police Department on several occasions have provided city wide Police service when the City Police have been tied up or understaffed. I can continue this LONG RUN ON SENTENCE if you like. Oh BTW! The more than 5Billion dollars in new construction on Campus has kept Michigan's construction industry afloat..........that what kind of a neighbor U-M is!!

81wolverine

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 1:24 p.m.

Reason 13: In order to get re-elected we need this bridge fixed to avoid looking like 100% buffoons (vs. 75%) and God forbid, end up with more republicans on the council. Actually, the city, county, and state should share the blame for not dealing with this situation earlier and doing a better job funding the roads in Michigan. The Stadium Blvd. bridges are just a symbol of the decay in the state's infrastructure that has been allowed to occur by the politicians of both parties over the last 20-30 years. Having a properly-funded budget in Michigan for roads and bridges would largely avoid having crumbling bridges, unpaved dirt roads not worthy of horse-drawn wagons, and crater-ridden highways and main roads. And yes, the Federal Government also needs to step up to the plate with more realistic funding of the nation's infrastructure. Most politicians I've seen (Obama included) pay lip service during campaigns, making up stories of how much money they're going to allocate to "rebuilding our nation's roads, rails, and bridges". Then, when they're in office, the money never materializes. $600 million for Tiger II for the entire nation's crumbling infrastructure? That's a total joke. Tiger I wasn't a lot more either. Until we start holding politicians accountable (local, state, and national) for the horrible condition of our roads, fiascos like the Stadium Bridge situation will continue to happen.

sbbuilder

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 1:23 p.m.

I think robert m. is on to something. If we can figure out a way to put some artsy sculptures on this bridge complete with a waterfall, some trees planted in suspended planters, a light rail going across just for kicks, and some green space thrown in for good measure, this project is a big time 'go'.

Lokalisierung

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 1:12 p.m.

"U of M has been on a hiring freeze for about a year now." Call me when they start taking 4% off employees. "Frankly, I'm surprised when I read comments on this site from so many people who hate U of M when the university is the number 1 reason the region is even staying afloat economically." So if some of the people here want UofM to pay for some of this bridge...they hate UofM? That's logical. And enough of the UofM is so great and economically keeps us going. It's not moving anywhere, it's not bankrupt, it's not closing down.

Ryan J. Stanton

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 1:12 p.m.

Here's some background on the current status of the bridge as e-mailed to me today by Michael Nearing, P.E. and senior project manager in the city's Project Management Services Unit: "The structure is obviously in critical condition and one of the remaining beams has longitudinal cracking similar to what we saw before the concrete spalled and fell off the bridge in December 2008. We know that winter weather is hard on the bridge because of the amount of water that leaks into the existing box beams. With this being said, we expect the bridge to be able to sustain the current loading through this year and into next. The upcoming winter will tell us a lot about what we can expect moving forward from here. We will closely observe the condition of the bridge and if anything of substance changes we'll assess the situation and make recommendations accordingly."

abc

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 1:08 p.m.

Mr. Stanton, whose reasons are these? Did the city actually publish this list of 12 reasons or is this just another way of writing a story? As a group of things they are dumb. Reasons 1, 3, 6 and 7 redundantly say that these bridges connect things. Reasons 8, 9 and 10 redundantly say that the bridge is failing. Reason 2 is not a reason, unless the actual age of the bridge is a criterion.

scooter dog

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 1:05 p.m.

(1) Its not the u of m's problem to help fix the bridge (2)Anyone who thinks that Big Blue is broke has their head in the sand. (3) Thanks to them 500 plus construction workers are NOT on the un-employment line

friend12

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 12:59 p.m.

UM has no obligation in this case. I think the MDOT should completely close the effected roads do to safety issues. That would force the city to get it's act together.

OverTaxed

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 12:53 p.m.

As I drive around A2, all I see are Federal Obama dollar (my tax money, not his) signs on every road project. This shows the incompetence of our city leaders. They can't budget a way to pay for things themselves. Wait, I did see a fancy City Hall being built. It also shows how you and I, the tax payer, is not getting any stimulus ourselves. What free money god wrote that road construction companies will get rich off my taxes? Where is my relief? Maybe my city taxes will go down because my city got free money from my yearly Federal donation. I bet not. This is typical Democrat tactics. Take from the middle, give to the mob and your buddies, I mean road construction. Wake up tax payers. Stop being pawns in their game. What good has a Democratic in A2 done for a tax payer here, nothing! Who's on the ballot in August, losers!

Lokalisierung

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 12:48 p.m.

I never said I wanted to U to pay for it and I don't think they should. Therre's no problem waiting for a little free money, what's a couple more months? How long will this bridge take to replace? A year, year and a half? "11. If the city had to close the bridges, the economy of the Ann Arbor area would suffer greatly." WEll they are going to have to close the bridge to build a new one.

MjC

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 12:45 p.m.

UM should not have to be a "good neighbor" by picking up this tab when it's clearly the City's responsibility. The endowment funds come from individual donors (alumni, faculty, staff...) with stipulations for use in the areas of education, research, scholarships, etc - the etc doesn't mean bridge repairs. Maybe A2 should find a donor who would like a bridge named after them.

Stephen Landes

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 12:44 p.m.

@djm12652 Waiting for the lottery is about as useless as anything else Council has suggested. I cringe every time I hear radio ads for the lottery and casinos -- just playing on the hopes and dreams of desperate people. We can't be that desperate in A2, can we?

djm12652

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 12:38 p.m.

@Stephen Landes...so in other words, waiting to win the lottery to pay for the bridge is not a viable option?

Stephen Landes

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 12:35 p.m.

I know this will be a "revolutionary" thought for some in our town, but maybe it is time to be responsible for our won bridge repair. What is the duty of the other 49 states to Michigan to repair a local bridge? This isn't part of the US or Interstate highway system; it is our own local street. Sure it would be nice for someone to make a gift to us of a new bridge, but how long do we propose to wait for "magic" to happen? Let's take care of this like real grown up people -- pay for it and do the work ourselves.

djm12652

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 12:27 p.m.

@sonnydog...me thinks you hit the nail on the head matey! What's funny about all of the hoopla for the U to pay for it[even partially] is easily remedied. Is the University paying for the closed lanes on Main St? Charge them an inconvience fee as a down pmt on the new bridge...?

Woman in Ypsilanti

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 12:21 p.m.

I don't drive on that bridge so why should my tax dollars go to pay for it? Just kidding! But since that is the argument that people usually use when talking about infrastructure and/or transportation projects, I thought that the conversation was lacking without it. But seriously, I like the idea of having the UofM pay for it. I don't think they are under any obligation to, of course, but it seems like keeping Stadium open would be beneficial to them. It certainly makes it easier for people to get to events at their stadium which is right there. They might have enough of an interest in keeping the bridge that they would be willing to pay for it. As far as getting a federal grant...I don't like that. There are much poorer cities in Michigan which have greater infrastructure problems than Ann Arbor and if there is federal money to be handed out, it really should go to those cities. Ann Arbor is one of the richest cities in the state and as such it really should be able to afford to take care of its own infrastructure.

Freemind42

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 12:20 p.m.

@Lokalisierung, spoken like someone who has absolutely no idea what they're talking about. Public universities all across the state are hurting for cash. U of M has been on a hiring freeze for about a year now. The "U" has no obligation for the city to maintain its own streets. Frankly, I'm surprised when I read comments on this site from so many people who hate U of M when the university is the number 1 reason the region is even staying afloat economically.

djm12652

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 12:17 p.m.

The bridge needs repair? News to me...I thought the closed lanes were to slow traffic down.

SonnyDog09

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 12:12 p.m.

It's ludicrous enough that they plan to spend $23,000,000.00 to replace the bridge. But reason 12 says that it will require 448 FTE's to do the work, too! It's shocking to see the city turn this in to a boondoggle. The cynic in me expects that the announcement of federal funding for this project will be made the week before the primary election. Then they can remind us how good they are at "bringing home the bacon."

Lokalisierung

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 11:49 a.m.

"I wonder if this sort of passing the buck is why it's taking so long to get the bridge fixed." Ok, I'm going to try to explain this one more time, it's not a very hard concept. Bridges take a lot of money to repair, the city has the money to pay for it, but they are waiting to try to get free monies to do it. They could pay for it all today, and that would take up a massive chunk of the road maintenance monies. If that's "passing the buck" than great, but this isn't a big mystery as to what is going on.

Lokalisierung

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 11:46 a.m.

Haha...it's not going to fall down. Some of you people are a little too worried. I understand that the bridge matter is aa.com's bread and butter comment getter here, but it MIGHT help if they could put an updated picture of the bridge in every once in a while. It's not like State street is strun with rubble and impassible anymore.

MikeAA

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 11:39 a.m.

I live right by this and its an absolute disgrace. A living monument to a city who's priorities are way out of whack. This is a public safety hazard and an eyesore. For the taxes we pay, which are a heavy burden on many families, we have every right to expect better.

Patricia Cockrell

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 11:32 a.m.

I wonder if this sort of passing the buck is why it's taking so long to get the bridge fixed. How much fun will that game be when someone is killed in the collapse.

Lokalisierung

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 11:26 a.m.

"Universities are already strapped for cash, this is never going to happen" You must be joking. Michgigan...cash strapped?

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 11:03 a.m.

Freemind 42 wrote: "UM paying for the bridge is ludicrous. Universities are already strapped for cash, this is never going to happen. The city is to blame for the bridge even getting to this condition." Yes, the city is to blame. End of story. Time to quit the blaqme game (very poplar in A2.com discussions) and figure out how to pay to fix it (much more difficult). You might be correct that the U will never come through. If so, that's rather sad. But the U is far from "cash strapped." It has an annual budget that approaches $1 billion and, last time I checked, it was sitting on an endowment of something between $5 and $6 billion. $20 million, then, is a comparative spit in the ocean. Or, in the alternative, the U could offer to pay for half!! Bottom line, it's smart politics as well as being a good neighbor. Good Night and Good Luck

Patricia Cockrell

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 11:01 a.m.

I live very close to that overpass and I just cringe when I approach the ramp, convinced that it will crumble right when I'm on it. I avoid it most of the time, but sometimes I just forget. The thing is, it looks frighteningly bad from where I stand. I've lived in some economically depressed cities with problems such as this, but Ann Arbor is not a burned-out slum! I'm shocked that it hasn't been closed yet. To my thinking it's really unbelievable that this city - which has prioritized green spaces, bicycle lanes and strict codes for some building renovations (so they stay historically picturesque!) has allowed this matter of public safety to be back-burnered for so long. It looks like a city whose priorities are way out of whack.

WSC

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 11:01 a.m.

The only reason why Ann Arbor officials should get the Stadium bridges replacement underway right now. 1. Someone is going to eventually get hurt. This should be reason number one, but it's not even on the list.

Barb

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 10:34 a.m.

The U is under no obligation to pay for this nor should they be. It's a City through way and therefore the City is responsible for paying for the bridge. I wonder what happens when we don't get *this* grant either. Hmmm.

Tom Teague

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 10:26 a.m.

Oh, and 14: It would allow all of the regular aa.com commenters -- myself included -- to fixate on a different topic.

Freemind42

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 10:22 a.m.

UM paying for the bridge is ludicrous. Universities are already strapped for cash, this is never going to happen. The city is to blame for the bridge even getting to this condition. They've neglected the bridge for years, choosing to kick the can down the road rather than deal with an expensive problem. Now, because it's gotten to the state that it is in, the city can't afford to repair it. Plain and simple. The only "fair" way to pay for it is to have tolls or taxes, but people scream and holler about the evil government taxing them to death if that word is ever uttered.

Tom Teague

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 10:19 a.m.

Four through seven are pretty compelling reasons. If you're asking me, I'd add a 13th, which is that the current condition is unsightly and the sight of exposed rebar and broken concrete is demoralizing to those of us who live relatively nearby. But, I suppose those aren't reasons for a TIGER grant. Ryan - Has anyone estimated how long the city can keep the bridge open before it becomes structurally unsafe for the currently allowed weight limits on auto and pedestrian traffic? In other words, how long have we got before we just gotta give up on it?

scooter dog

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 10:17 a.m.

(13)We squandered 47 mil on a courts building and fountian urinal,now we need a bailout because we don't have our house in order and our priorities went out the window

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Tue, Jun 8, 2010 : 10:14 a.m.

Time for the U of M to act like a good neighbor--step up to the plate and pay for the bridge. It won't being to make up for the decades where the U has failed to pay a fair price for city-provided fire protection, but the gesture of good will will be appreciated by many in the community. Be a good neighbor, Mary Sue! Time to step up to the plate. Good Night and Good Luck