As a result of the bridge collapse in Minneapolis, Japan's Land, Infrastructure and Transport Ministry has told local governments to take another harsh look at how the 120,000 some bridges in Japan are maintained.
Around half of the bridges will need replacing in the next 20 years. But...90% of city governments have FAILED to conduct regular checkups.
Unfortunately...there is one way to get them to do it sooner, as in
now. Let's hope that doesn't happen and that Minneapolis was enough.
Japan has 138,100 bridges that are 15 meters (50') or longer across the country.
Just under half (66,300) of them were built during the rapid economic growth of the 60-70s.
Prefectural (state) governments conduct regular inspections on about 40% of the bridges. Of the remaining 60% that are under municipal governments, 90% do not get inspected.
And if, Minneapolis isn't enough, how about the collapsed bridge in Hunan.
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