Comments on: No Longer a Bridge to Caracas

By: IP

IP — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 20:55:04 +0000

The new bridge is expected to be open sometime this summer. Meanwhile, a narrow road connects the two highway sections. Besides a customary traffic jam, that emergency road serves satisfactorily most of the time. However, the emergency road (named “la trocha” by Venezuelan folks) may be closed now and then because of the new bridge’s works or because of landslides when weather is severe (rain season is coming soon). Generally, the government issues warnings when the road needs to be closed. The U.S. consular office in Caracas usually posts such warnings in its website to keep travelers informed.

By: Marcel Worth

Marcel Worth — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 10:05:15 +0000

Does anyone know if the bridge has been re-opened and if not if there is a planned opening date ?

By: Juan Pueblito

Juan Pueblito — Sat, 11 Feb 2006 03:09:01 +0000

Yes Venezuela is making great progress in the field of small independent merchants yes sir soon Venezuela will be a nation of buoneros how do like that?

By: lake palace

lake palace — Tue, 31 Jan 2006 13:07:25 +0000

Good afternoon. I was looking for info on buying a house and I found this blog. I am not exactly sure why, perhaps you have the term “Buying a house” on your site somwhere. Anyway, i have read through some of your posts and it is very interesting. I have bookmarked your blog and will return next week to see if there are any updates.

Many thanks,

Chris the Lakers fan.

By: Iria

Iria — Sat, 21 Jan 2006 22:44:56 +0000

Certainly, the viaduct did not fall down as it does in the graphic. One of the north pilots is fractured (a picture in one of the links shows it clearly) and the road itself is fractured too (there were pictures in Venezuelan newspapers that week). People referred to the fractured pilot as collapsed (some Spanish language specialists have argued about whether or not that is the proper meaning of such word, but it certainly is very common usage of that word in Venezuela).

Venezuelans are upset because as you say “The government has had a viable phased solution on its plate for years”. Indeed, there were two or three workable alternatives. Since 2000, all experts agreed that major maintenance was needed and the building of an alternate route was required. The government has been plenty of financial resources for undertaking these construction works, at least since the third quarter of 2003, but they did not start working on this until November 2005.

The risk was well-known. Technical solutions were developed. The country had financial resources. Human resources were ready to work. Citizens were in favor of that investment. The government did nothing until it was too late. That is what made people upset in this case.

By: Cris Subrizi PE

Cris Subrizi PE — Sat, 21 Jan 2006 21:48:12 +0000

The government has had a viable phased solution on its plate for years. Collapse as it has been used in the media is not an accurate term–the graphic on this page predicts an as of yet (fortunately) unrealized eventuality.

There is still a chance to manage the transition to a new route by implementing a “time-buying” tmeporary solution.
See http://www.geocities.com/spulidos/P_Ppal.html for the history.

With respect to public works–Government innaction is not unique to Venezuela. The challenge for us all is to create a way for citizens to actively be engaged in public works management.

By: Daniel Johnson

Daniel Johnson — Thu, 19 Jan 2006 22:11:13 +0000

This is certainly a major test for the Chavez government, a crisis such as this always has a opportunity hidden just under the surface. If the Chavez government can rise to the occasion and make this the number one national priority, it could change the minds of doubters and those who oppose this government. There are many wise and workable solutions to this problem; enlist the help of the Chinese, they have very competent bridge design firms who would gladly take on a highly visable project such as this at a very competitive cost. Another possibility is to give an American company a chance to meet the challenge, this would build bridges in more ways than one…These are the opportunities that change peoples minds!

By: Exploring the Globe » Blog Archive » CARACAS CUT OFF FROM AIRPORT

Exploring the Globe » Blog Archive » CARACAS CUT OFF FROM AIRPORT — Sun, 15 Jan 2006 18:56:50 +0000

[...] Global Voices Online has more detailed information on the situation and many interesting links. [...]

By: Jenny Ramos

Jenny Ramos — Fri, 13 Jan 2006 15:46:57 +0000

Mobility of the citizenry limited. That is dictatorship.

By: Michelle Lewis

Michelle Lewis — Fri, 06 Jan 2006 17:57:26 +0000

this is a national disgrace for the Venezuelaian government!! this is a catastophe and the fact that the government is willing to allow this to bridge to remain defunct for a year speaks volums of the crueltity and callousness of the government towards the indeginous peoples of Venezuela for shame!!!!!!!!!!!!!