Washington is seeking takers on a disused 92-year-old bridge, eligible for the National Register for Historic Places. This isn't an isolated phenomenon.
In an NPR segment, the hosts discuss an interesting offer on the Washington State DOT's website. Replaced by a newer bridge, the State Route 167 Puyallup River Bridge, built c. 1925, is up for "sale." In fact, Washington's actually offering takers $1 million (estimated demolition costs) to take the thing off their hands.
That offer doesn't extend to anyone. Says Claudia Bingham Baker of Washington's DOT, "So we started brainstorming who would be our target audiences, and it's obviously other governmental jurisdictions like cities and counties or parks departments or even golf courses."
The hosts mention some other areas where "hocking bridges" has become routine, places as diverse as Texas, New England, and Missouri, which "has a whole page on [its] Department of Transportation website devoted to bridge giveaways."
According to NPR's Julia DeWitt, "Washington expects more bridge giveaways in the coming years as old infrastructure needs to be replaced."
Read the full story: Bridge For Sale: History Clashes With Safety In Washington State Listen· 3:27
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