TheLittleParis t1_j16ydmu wrote on December 22, 2022 at 2:54 AM

>PennDOT and its contractors built the new bridge in just 11 months, thanks to emergency declarations and procedures that allowed them to bypass a traditional, years-long timeline that includes preliminary design, final design, community engagement, permitting and sending the project out to bid.

Amazing how fast the government can move when it isn't weighed down by useless community meetings and glacial permitting processes. Imagine what the city accomplish if it approached other infrastructure projects in the same way.

blondiebell t1_j17e80w wrote on December 22, 2022 at 5:14 AM

With big infrastructure projects its pretty darn important to have some checks in place before the plan is carried out. Especially a measure of community engagement because they should have a voice in something that could change their daily life. What is a bummer is that the checks in place currently are not very streamline and are always ALWAYS underfunded so they can take time to save for and then to continue. Regulations, procedure, and engagement aren't the problem, its funding and priority management.

TheLittleParis t1_j18osfm wrote on December 22, 2022 at 2:18 PM

Yeah, I get the reason for it in theory. It just makes me mad when I learn that the Art Commission tried to use community review to hold the construction up for four months just so it matched their personal tastes. Seems so out of touch with the needs of actual residents who just want to get back to their normal commutes as soon as possible.

blondiebell t1_j18xr1z wrote on December 22, 2022 at 3:24 PM

That particular committee, sure. They have been accused of over stepping their authority and being far too personal than objective.

Seems we otherwise agree :)

It is unfortunate that so much of our infrastructure is in dire need of repairs, because in a better world we'd be planning big projects far in advance so that we CAN take the time to see every angle and make as many voices on the matter heard. The aesthetic of a bridge or other big structure Should matter, so it's a shame we so often don't give ourselves time to consider it because we just need the work done done done.