The reopening of a bridge, often dubbed the “scariest,” has been completed following maintenance work that cost over £8 million. Rainbow Bridge, a cantilever bridge over the Neches River in southeast Texas, has garnered significant online attention. Known for its steep incline and high arch, the bridge was designed with a vertical clearance of 177 feet to prevent interference with shipping in the area.
Featuring narrow lanes, the bridge offers a dramatic drive for motorists traveling between Jefferson and Orange counties. Operating as a one-way westbound route since 1997, the bridge underwent major maintenance in March last year. The $10.9 million contract was awarded to Southern Road and Bridge, a Florida-based company.
The extensive restoration work included a full-depth concrete deck restoration, repairs to steel railing, and the replacement of 1,200 rivets and four steel member pins. During the closure, motorists had to use the nearby Veterans Memorial Bridge, temporarily modified to accommodate the altered traffic flow.
The Texas Department of Transportation confirmed the completion of the works on March 26, with a thorough inspection preceding the reopening of the bridge to traffic on April 11. The construction of Rainbow Bridge began in 1936 and was finalized after two years.
In other news, a renowned hotel in Dubai, the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, announced an 18-month closure for a phased renovation aimed at upgrading its iconic decor. The closure was not linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East involving US-Israeli forces and Iran, which has seen Iranian drone strikes across the Gulf, including in Dubai.
Reports from Middle East Eye suggest that Iran’s actions in the region, targeting countries hosting US bases, have contributed to a decline in expat and tourist numbers in the UAE and other Gulf states.