Why is a bridge problematic between Bolivar and Galveston?
Вставка
- Опубліковано 27 сер 2024
- Welcome to Galveston Unscripted!
We explore the question of why there isn't a bridge connecting Galveston and Bolivar, and discuss why it isn't as easy as it sounds. We dive into the logistics of where the bridge would start, how long it would have to be, and the potential cost of building the bridge. We also discuss potential delays due to the bridge's construction and possible interference with vessel traffic. Finally, we discuss the potential maintenance costs and lifespan of a bridge. Join us as we explore what it would take to build a bridge connecting Galveston and Bolivar!
Get this shirt: www.galvestonu...
Podcast: galvestonunscripted.com/podcast
Audio Tour: galvestonunscripted.com
I think the tunnel idea would probably be more doable. Ultimately as someone has already pointed out, there's not much reason on the Bolivar side to warrant the costs involved with either a bridge or a tunnel. The ferry system is still far more cost effective than any other option. Improving the ferry system would much more cost effective
There is no incentive. It would only benefit a few thousand people that live there and the beach goers. If there was large infrastructure and/or manufacturing/petrochemical on Boliver, that bridge would have already been built a long time ago.
Forget it. Keep the ferry.
Same reason Corpus Christi is having a hard time with a new bridge, which limits the size of ships in the port.
Exactly.
Idea 01 - Tunnel as mentioned already. If Maryland can figure out to cross the Chesapeake, then we can to. Idea 02 - Combine a road and the Ike Dike into one. At the swing gates, make them drivable. Sure the gates will be open often for ships, but it certainly beats waiting hours on the ferry. Idea 03 - Combination Ike Dike road and tunnel under the swing gates. There are plenty of options, however, the road block (literally) is that there is nothing of significant value over on Bolivar that warrants a billion dollar + highly engineered water crossing. Sure there are some nice expensive homes over in Bolivar but those don't justify the expense. Idea 04 - Make, and put into service, more ferry boats and build MUCH larger ferry landings to accommodate the traffic load.
I'm no geologist or engineer either one, but I suspect the issue with a tunnel is the ground... specifically a lack of bedrock.
It's the same reason houses on the gulf coast don't have basements, and the same reason we don't get earthquakes down here.
The only tunnels you see in gulf coast areas are generally pretty short.
And I suspect that opening up a direct route from Galveston to the Beaumont/SETX area would be the main advantage, more than simply having access to Bolivar itself.
Your comment leads me to believe you don’t live on the GulfCoast. As stated above there is a reason homes don’t have basements.
The ferry is the best free ride in Texas.
100% agree!
Personally, I would fight against a bridge (frankly high bridges freak me out and I still avoid the Rainbow Bridge and the Sam Houston Tollway bridge over the Ship Channel), I love the ferry, there are times when I just want to think and a few hours going back-n-forth getting some sea air, does the trick.
A bit off-topic, but I have always been curious as to why there is no scheduled air services to GLS. At one point, Galveston Scholes Field did see commercial air service but as I understand it, that pretty much ceased when IAH was opened in 1969. I viewed the GLS website a few years back and it was stated that the airport could service aircraft as large as the 767. I suspect that the two Houston airports (IAH/HOU) would likely oppose such a move. You might want to investigate further. No doubt it would be an expensive project and many hurdles to clear, but it would make Galveston more accessible.
The airport is conducting a multi million dollar upgrade to improve for commercial traffic in the next 10 years or so!
Pretty wild master plan too!
I would rather sit and wait for the ferry. I do not like bridges especially if they are high and over water. I would take the way from Kemah which would take even longer for me.
because it’s too long or too far I had always supposed
Go around if you don't have time to wait for the ferry.
Great advice
I agree with everything said. The major bridge issue would be tropical systems. They’d have to close the bridge when the winds got to a certain speed. Plus what if there’s a wreck on the bridge
Yessir!!
The Boring Co
Until Bolivar has a seawall, there’s no sense in building a bridge to it.
I feel like it would have to land ether north or south of fort Travis park as it’s a historical site
They’d have to totally rebuild the pelican island bridge for that idea to even work. That would take years plus cost a lot as well
Thanks for watching and commenting! You should read about the drama with the current pelican island bridge… they are already having trouble replacing it. 3-4 different principals/authorities hold stake. Plus, the point you are making. A&M and industry on Pelican are already affected by the deteriorating bridge. You are correct. Infrastructure design and implementation is beyond difficult.
A bridge has been suggested for decades and it makes absolutely no sense, economically or logistically. There's not enough reason or demand for it except to get residents and tourists from Galveston to Boliver. If you don't like the wait simply don't go. Sorry, life's tough, taxpayers shouldn't be on the hook for your pleasure and convenience. If there's truly a need (there isn't) then add a couple of ferries. They won't do that because, well...see above.
However, I love your channel.
Ferry Forever! I agree!
Thanks!!!
Not completely certain, but it's a federal/State project, both would have to pitch in. Federal waterway, and Texas, Guessing the federal approp, would be block granted/allocated to the state. Good question for Congressman Randy Weber's office or Senator Cruz. Senator Mayes Middleton would also be a good resource on this.
As a lifelong Texan I can certify ... No doubt who would pay for it. Taxpayers. Next question?
It shouldn’t be a bridge, it should be a tunnel. We could leverage TBMs or the dredge and sink method.
Sure, but what would the the economic impact of halting shipping during construction be ? Even a few cumulative months of construction delays over a couple year project would outweigh the cost of the bridge. The bridge is competing with the maritime industry more than anything else.
Best approach would be the dredge and sink method. Minimal impact on traffic. TBM wouldn't work well with the soil.
What's the point of a bridge? Obviously, it's to move cars with people...not freight. Therefore, not worth it. People versus freight. Freight should always remain the priority in Houston. It's the fate of location and the reality of investment in global distribution. Forget the bridge. People who wish to live in these areas shoukd by flying cars.
Not gonna lie but mentioning using the SS Selma is a disgusting disgrace to its history and heritage Texas already has an issue with the lack of artificial reefs and structures.
Wut…
tunnel
So $1 billion, for upper middle class to go to their $350,000-million dollar Bolivar beach houses. 😂😂😂
That what she said just the tip only