Jan. 17 – Swing Bridge has reopened.
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When you look at the history of the East Roundbunch Swing Bridge between Bridge City and Orange, it reads:
Swing Bridge Now Open
Swing Bridge Closed
Swing Bridge Now Open
Swing Bridge Closed…
Is it jinxed? “I don’t know,” Pct. 3 Commissioner Kirk Roccaforte. “Maybe.”
The current closure started Dec. 23 when we had the big cold front that pushed temps into the teens. Roccaforte thinks that was definitely a factor.
“We believe moisture got into the electrical box and when it froze it messed up some stuff in there,” he said. “We also believe it’s a warranty situation and you know how that goes.”
Orange County Engineer Corey Oldbury said workers should be there this week. “They should be there Monday to get things started.” He didn’t want to make any predictions from there.
And you can’t blame him.
The bridge is a great shortcut when its open. It helps cut down on the traffic coming in and out of Chemical Row.
Roccaforte added, “Each time the bridge has been closed, it’s been a different issue. I know it’s been frustrating.” One time it had nothing to do with the bridge. While someone was clearing land nearby, a tree struck a powerline, blew the transformer and the power box in the control room.
Many think the bridge should stay open for vehicle traffic when it’s down. Roccaforte says it has to stay open for the businesses that use the waterway to bring in or deliver product. And that traffic could be on the increase with some of the new projects coming to town.
He said to open the bridge manually takes three people, a boat and 1-2 hours.
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