The reopening of a bridge dubbed as the “scariest” has recently taken place following maintenance works that totaled over £8 million. Rainbow Bridge, a cantilever bridge spanning the Neches River in southeast Texas, has attracted significant online attention. Known for its steep incline and high arch to prevent interference with shipping, the bridge boasts a vertical clearance of 177 feet.
With narrow lanes, the bridge offers a thrilling drive for motorists crossing between Jefferson and Orange counties, operating as a one-way westbound traffic route since 1997. Closed for major maintenance in March last year, the bridge underwent extensive structural work, including concrete deck restoration, steel railing repairs, and the replacement of 1,200 rivets and four steel member pins.
During the closure, motorists had to divert through the nearby Veterans Memorial Bridge, temporarily modified to accommodate the traffic shift. The Texas Department of Transportation confirmed the completion of the works on March 26, conducting inspections before reopening the bridge to traffic on April 11, providing a significant relief for drivers.
The construction of Rainbow Bridge commenced in 1936 and took two years to finish. In other news, the renowned Jumeirah Burj Al Arab hotel in the UAE announced a temporary 18-month closure for a comprehensive renovation aimed at upgrading its iconic décor. The move comes amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East, including Iranian drone strikes in the Gulf region.
According to Middle East Eye (MEE), the strikes on the UAE and other Gulf states hosting US bases have triggered an exodus of foreign expats and tourists from the region.