14.08.2006

How fast was he going?

We recently came across these photos of a bridge bashing that occurred on Interstate 70 near Hays in Kansas on February 13th.
Bridge bashing occures regularly with cranes and access equipment, most commonly with loader cranes that have not been properly stowed. We have rarely though seen such a bad case as this.

We originally assumed that the photos were heavily retouched, but further checks have confirmed the incident.
Please register to see all images

A serious case of Bridge bashing

Please register to see all images

What a mess

The tractor trailer transporting the excavator was owned by Lee Construction. The excavator boom struck the overpass, ploughing on through until the arm was ripped upwards and the rig came to a grinding halt.
Please register to see all images

Is it a case of high quality steel or poor quality concrete?

The damaged bridge closed the eastbound lanes of the interstate for 11 days. It is expected to re-open later this month after $500,000 of repair work. Lee construction will be expected to pick up the full cost of the damage.

The driver, Michael M. Conley, was cited for deviating from his assigned route.

A similar, although not as severe, incident occured earlier this month with a similar excavator on Interstate 82 near Saleh, Washington.

While in July an A-Plant delivery driver took out a footbridge in Plymouth, UK.See Boom lift bings down footbridge