Bridge Over Rowing Waters

For John, BLUF:  In a way, Infrastructure Investment can be like building blocks.  Each one allowing the next to be placed.  Nothing to see here; just move along.

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On Facebook yesterday Professor Robert Forrant posted this item:

Anybody see the article in today's Globe about Olympics venues needed outside of Boston and the rowing coming to Lowell on the Merrimack?  One interesting bit in the story was the statement that for this to work, the Rourke Bridge would be torn down!  Missing was any discussion about when a new bridge would be built.  So, imagine the crazy town traffic we always have at 4:00pm, running through Drum Hill, but wait where the hell is the bridge???? I know this is a long way off - - but can we rely on anyone in the legislature looking out for us with the Olympic gold blinding them?  Because they've all done such a wonderful job making sure the trains run on time we can expect something good here, right?

Yes, that bridge.

A Bailey Bridge.

So I responded as follows:

OK, I finally have a reason to welcome the Olympics. A permanent FOUR LANE bridge in place of the current Rourke. FOUR LANES so that future planners can take advantage of the capacity and not excuse not making traffic improvements because it is only a two lane bridge. Did I mention FOUR LANES?

To which Professor Forrant responded:

Clifford R Krieger you beautiful dreamer!

I think that sums it up.

Regards  —  Cliff