Too big to fall: America's failing infrastructure and the way forward

Abstract

This book evaluates how the I-35W Bridge in Minneapolis collapsed in August 2007, which killed 13 people and injured 145 others. Investigations following the tragedy revealed that it was not an unavoidable accident, but one that could have been prevented. The book shows how this type of tragedy threatens to be repeated at many thousands of bridges located across the nation. Already more than 50 percent of our bridges are past their intended lifespan. Using the I-35W Bridge as a starting point, the book chronicles the problems that led to that catastrophe, poor bridge design, shoddy maintenance, ignored expert recommendations for repair, and misallocated funding. The book then explores the responses to the tragedy, including the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) document which failed to report the full story to the nation. From here the book evaluates what the I-35W Bridge collapse means for the country as a whole and outlines the possibility of a nationwide infrastructure breakdown. The author exposes government failure on a national as well as state level and uncovers how the nation’s transportation system prioritizes funding for new projects over maintenance funding for aging infrastructure. The author explains the imperatives for why this country must maintain an effective infrastructure system, and how it plays a central role in supporting both the nation’s economic strength and national security. Written both for those who can effect change and for those who must demand it, the book presents an eye-opening critique of a bureaucratic system that has allowed political best interests to trump those of the American people.