Originally Posted: July 30, 2015
FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — When a big earthquake hits, the world often sees horrific images of collapsed bridges.
In 1989, during a 6.9-magnitude quake in the San Francisco area, the double-deck Nimitz Freeway pancaked, killing 42 people. Fifty-foot sections of the Bay Bridge also collapsed, killing a woman.
North Texas is unlikely to experience an earthquake of that scope, researchers say. But in recent years, the region has experienced dozens of smaller quakes, with the strongest having a magnitude of 4.0 — enough to potentially damage buildings and bridges.
Those in geology and engineering circles are increasingly concerned that the wave of seismic activity in Dallas-Fort Worth could damage the area’s transportation infrastructure — not only bridges but also tunnels, roadways and rail lines.
“We’re talking a lot about it,” Brian Barth, the Fort Worth district engineer for the Texas Department of Transportation, said. “It is important for us to make sure we’re covered. We’ve been discussing it statewide. This isn’t the only area where we’re having these issues.” READ MORE