Comments on: County bridge battle grows

By: Tracy Blackstone

Tracy Blackstone — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 18:16:37 +0000

1. Wasn’t there a series of stabbings a few nights ago in front of La Pinata, at Central and Park, around 2 AM? And wasn’t one of the victims rushed to the one and only East Bay Trauma Canter at Highland Hospital, across the Park Street Bridge? How long would that have taken if the Emergency vehicle had to go all the way up to the tube? We NEED those bridges accessible 24 by 7, people!!

2. Has any seismic safety study been done regarding how the bridges would withstand an earthquake while raised in the ‘Up’ position? Keep in mind that we live in a very seismically active area, and the Hayward Fault is way overdue for a major event. Just asking…

By: Former Island Resident

Former Island Resident — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 16:03:02 +0000

They can be left down if you build the bridge high enough to not impede water transportation.

By: Bill

Bill — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 04:00:47 +0000

I agree with Sarah. It’s our island. Why is the County involved. We should take over the bridges and operate them as we see fit.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:55:57 +0000

What does the County do with all the money from Measure B that was allotted to the City? IfAlameda kept that money and operated/maintained the bridges themselves, does that mean Oakland could do the same with its Measure B money. The County is suing Oakland on raising money from parking at the Coliseum. It sounds like Alameda and Oakland should enter into an agreement and just cut out the County.

By: Concerned Bigtime

Concerned Bigtime — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 22:36:51 +0000

The City should work with the County on this one and give them the money necessary, otherwise just leave em up. will hardly effect anyone anyway at those hours. It’s a joke to think there are environmental impacts to the City to leave them up while people are asleep in their beds.

By: Michele Ellson

Michele Ellson — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 17:08:23 +0000

Hey Whitney,

The short answer is, Coast Guard rules that require that boats are able to get through safely trump our need to have the bridges down to drive across. If the county doesn’t follow the Coast Guard’s rules, they face multi-million dollar fines.

By: Whitney

Whitney — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 17:06:24 +0000

Does anyone know why the default seems to be that the bridges must be raised at night if there is no one there to operate them, rather than left lowered? Is it some sort of safety issue or do boaters outrank drivers/cyclists/walkers? I don’t get it.