The Dangers of Aging Infrastructure

The collapse of the 35W bridge in Minneapolis is likely to be representative of the kinds of new disasters we experience in the US as the county's infrastructure ages, and little new investment is made by government.

1 minute read

August 3, 2007, 10:00 AM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


"These disasters are an indication that this country is not investing enough in keeping its vital infrastructure in good repair, engineering experts warn.

'Governments do not want to pay for maintenance because it is not sexy,' said John Ochsendorf, a structural engineer and an associate professor at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

...'The American Society of Civil Engineers issues annual rankings of the state of the nation's infrastructure and most of the grades are C and D,' said Michael J. O'Rourke, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute."

Friday, August 3, 2007 in The New York Times

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog