Bridges under inspection statewide

A state official announced the inspection of all bridges under jurisdiction of the state of Baja California after a series of pictures shared by media outlets revealed issues.

State Secretary of Government Amador Rodriguez said he has instructed the office of Civil Protection and the Department of Infrastructure and Urban Development to inspect all bridges in order to allay concerns.

Media outlets and social media users have shared pictures of Mexicali’s Gomez Morin Bridge, commonly known as the Curved Bridge. The bridge has been curved since it was built about two decades ago.

Photographs depicted some cracks in the joints of the bridge. The cracks have caused concerns among residents.

Also, on Monday two subway trains collapsed from the top of a bridge in Mexico City. The collapse left 24 dead and dozens injured. The accident occurred although residents and experts had been warning about cracks in the infrastructure.

Secretary of Infrastructure Karen Postlethwaite said experts will address concerns by holding thorough studies of all bridges.

The city of Mexicali said the Department of Public Works has been studying Mexicali’s bridge for the last 10 days.

Studies include analysis of deformations in the bridge that had occurred since it was built.

The city has hired experts for the studies, La Crónica newspaper reported.

Once studies conclude, the city will release a report that will be made public. The study also includes measures needed to solve any issues in the bridge built in 2001 during the administration of former Mayor Victor Hermosillo.

Authorities had forbidden cargo trucks and passenger buses from crossing the bridge for the last 10 days due to safety concerns.

According to media reports, the City Council a study six months ago to assess the bridge’s condition.