The Rusty Thorn in our Iconic Skyline

[JimInJax]

That damned bridge has been broken twice in the last year, while they "fabricate" parts for it since there are no spares. anywhere.

FECRR - Get off your wallets and either fix it or replace it.

[mbwright]

Most bridges are pretty much custom.  Few standard or in stock parts.

[acme54321]

That damned bridge has been broken twice in the last year, while they "fabricate" parts for it since there are no spares. anywhere.

FECRR - Get off your wallets and either fix it or replace it.

They are fixing it, that's what they are fabricating the parts for 

[PeeJayEss]

I haven't researched what you're stating but I find it quite interesting that in this day and age of mind-blowing technology and chemicals, that we would be using rust as a protectant.  To my knowledge, rust doesn't stop at top layers of metal, it continues to eat away. The process might slow once it devours the top layers but it does continue to rot metal.

So railroad companies are allowed to create rusty eye sores in any city they go and none can have a say?  Id rather have it coated with something thats more eye pleasing and perserving..anyone that believes rush protect..i have a bridge to sell you.

i was there yesterday...it needs help..not that i dont like it but if they dont maintain it..itll end up being a bill handed to we the  citizens.

It is fun to see people that have no idea what they're talking about make assertions with such confidence.

"Hi, I don't know anything about chemistry, or engineering, or history, but here's what I think the railroads should be doing!"

[marty904]

Dont know if its the case with this bridge but there is a form of sacrificial protection where rust is allowed to occur, thus protecting the underlying metal. Think galvanization but with rust.

I haven't researched what you're stating but I find it quite interesting that in this day and age of mind-blowing technology and chemicals, that we would be using rust as a protectant.  To my knowledge, rust doesn't stop at top layers of metal, it continues to eat away. The process might slow once it devours the top layers but it does continue to rot metal.

For those who are curious...

http://www.steelconstruction.info/Weathering_steel

From that article:
"The attractive appearance of weathering steel bridges often blends pleasingly with the environment, and improves with age."
I don't think that is the case here.  I think it is simply a rusted steel bridge that a handful of locals happen to like the look of, while it continues to be a "rusty thorn in our skyline" that millions of people pass on the interstate, and probably think the same as many residents... "old abandoned ugly train bridge that Jacksonville doesn't care enought about to improve it".

[marty904]

It is fun to see people that have no idea what they're talking about make assertions with such confidence.

"Hi, I don't know anything about chemistry, or engineering, or history, but here's what I think the railroads should be doing!"

I'm sure that in your 802 posts, everything you had to say was "expert knowledge" of all 802 subjects but sorry to say, if you applied your comment to the whole forum, it would be trimmed by 93%. As a resident of downtown, that sees this rusted/unsightly bridge everyday, I am using this board (for what it is), to launch a dialogue about that OPINION.

News flash: message board/forums like this are all about its member's opinions.  There is about 7% that is factual and "expert" contribution.  So, I think it is "fun" to see comments like yours on here as well.

[Lunican]

What color would you prefer the bridge to be?

[jaxjaguar]

Black.... the color of the paint that's 70% flaked off

[BridgeTroll]

Its probably time to paint the Main St. bridge blue again...

[I-10east]

I remember when I made a thread a long time ago on the defunct metjax website called "Will the Railroad Bridge ever be Painted?" then Lunican basically told me this...

Railroads do not typically paint their bridges. It is expensive and unnecessary.

...and I was like fair enough, as I was satisfied with that response.

[Ocklawaha]

Maybe FEC 'Champion' red, yellow and silver?? Humm how to pull that off?

[David]

What color would you prefer the bridge to be?

TEAL!

[I-10east]

^^^I agree.

[jaxjaguar]

[I-10east]

^^^That looks awesome!