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| Iraq |
| Assured Mobility in Baghdad |
| 2003-12-02 |
| The Al-Muthana Bridge in Northern Baghdad is important to the economic vitality of Baghdad and critical to the support of military operations in the city. The northernmost bridge in Baghdad, it supports heavy industrial traffic. The bridge has two Mabey-Johnson bridges that were emplaced by the U.S. military in June. One of the ramps was severely deteriorated. A large split in the ramp deck threatened to fail completely or at least seriously damage a car or truck. A British company developed the Mabey-Jonson Bridge a few years ago as quick emplacement bridge that is easier to assemble. It is similar to the Bailey Bridge that was used extensively in World War II. Soldiers from the 671st Multi-Role Bridge Co. (Oregon National Guard), alongside soldiers from C Company, 16th Engineer Battalion quickly developed a plan to repair the bridge. âThe 671st Multi-Role Bridge Company helped install the bridge we are repairing back in June,â said Lt. Col. John Kem, 16th Engineer Battalion commander. âThey were the lead with C Company, 16th (Engineers) for the installation of a bridge across the large canal near Taji back in September.â On November 18, after a thorough reconnaissance, the 671st convoyed to Camp Anaconda to the âbridge parkâ to get the parts needed for repair. Excited about the mission and ready to start, the soldiers didnât want to wait until the next day to initiate repair. Headquarters and First Platoon, C Co. 16th Engineers and the companyâs maintenance team joined forces with the 671st to quickly reestablish a functioning bridge. Within an hourâs notice, 1st Platoon, Charlie Company was moving. The 671st provided traffic control and on-site security. Traffic flow was diverted to the northbound bridge. Repairs took place between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. MORE AT LINK And contrast this with the months it takes most state DOTâs to repair an American highway bridge. |
| Posted by:Chuck Simmins |
| #1 Baileys are still efficient and available, but the spans are limited to <100', IIRC last time I talked to their sales people |
| Posted by: Frank G 2003-12-2 7:48:14 PM |