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Bridges and tunnels should never be left to private companies to manage. There would always be the danger that cost-cutting would mean less inspection, less inspection could be disastrous. It's not that private companies are not trustworthy, most are, it's just that there must be regulations concerning the care of these potential hazardous byways. Even one left unchecked is too much.

The government, when all is said and done, is the only concern that is capable of regulating such vast systems. It has been shown, if one cares to look, that a business is designed to earn money, and if it does not earn money it cannot stay in business. What if the private business that sees over the bridges and tunnels decides to cut back on operating expenses to save money? Would some repairs that are needed get delayed? Possibly.

The government needs money too, but it can earn money in other ways other than risking the life of those going through the tunnels and over the bridges. It can, as it usually does, raise the taxes, put a toll on the bridges. (I heard a TV comments a few days ago that toll bridges were usually well kept bridges. If this is so, then put the tolls back on bridges.
(An added note) Now that we are in a recession, or near it, and momey is being handed out right and left to give the economy a boost, it is hoped that some of the money the government will be spending will be to check and regulate the older bridges that may need an overhauling. Not to do this is too risky. Most of the bridges and tunnels were put in place years ago and are much in need of being kept repaired. The same way with old and crumbling cities. Nothing man-made lasts forever and instead of wasting money on creating needless new buildings and bridges, the most economical way would be to keep those still usable in good shape.
When a bridge goes down and lives are lost, usually then stricter regulations are put into place to prevent others such accidents. Why not regulate their inspection so closely that problem areas, loose nuts and bolts and whatever else is keeping these thoroughfares safe for navigating, will be found out long before the structure gives away. I remember well when the Silver Bridge that spanned Point Pleasant WV and Marietta Ohio went done during a five oclock rush hour. I never drive across a bridge that I don't think of that horrible accident and say a brief prayer for the victims and that accidents like this will never happen again. That tragedy happened in the later latter part of the sixties.

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