Routine inspections show saltwater damage – Port Isabel-South Padre Press

LI Bridge News documents the ongoing journey of the Long Island Bridge Board’s battle to alleviate issues regarding the community’s swing bridge. Cindy Sturlin is the director of the Long Island Owners Association Board.
The value of regular inspections to the Garcia Street Swing bridge cannot be overstated. Routine inspections reveal issues that could have long range detrimental effects on the bridge. The physical condition of every component of
the bridge is the frontline of inspection, as observed by our knowledgeable Long Island Owners’ Association (LIOA) Bridge Crew.
The photos graphically show the ravages of the saltwater environment on the cathodic protection sacrificial zinc anodes, utilized for the swing bridge. Cathodic protection is an electrochemical process that halts the natural
corrosion of metals in a particular environment, in this case, salt water. It works by superimposing an electrochemical cell more powerful than the corrosion cell. The anode corrodes instead of the swing bridge metal being
protected, helping to prevent corrosion on underwater metal parts. The sacrificial metal bar corrodes while it quietly absorbs chemical reactions that would otherwise be taking a complete toll on the swing bridge barge.
This is only one example of the many components observed regularly to maintain the structure and operation of the swing bridge. Many unseen components of the bridge will “show” signs of maintenance required, but are not so
easily diagnosed, such as an electrical connection, hydraulic line, a set screw, et cetera. The key is knowing what to look for, and our skilled bridge crew is aware that unseen failures are lurking at any moment. They prepare ahead of
time to deal with them. In accordance with United States Coast Guard maritime law, property owners on Long Island, via LIOA, will continue to shoulder the financial responsibility of the swing bridge, for the safety and security of
the current configuration of the Gulf Intracoastal Water Way (GIWW). A Congressionally Directed Section 216 study for the GIWW passing by the swing bridge, could lead to a new exit route bridge and roadway between Long
Island and Port Isabel, which would dramatically increase the safety and security of the entire GIWW.

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