Safety and security have always been important goals of those who design, construct, and operate the nation's infrastructure, particularly those responsible for highway bridges and tunnels. But the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, brought the issue of security into sharper focus. As critical structures that each carry thousands of passengers each day, cost millions of dollars to build, and, in some cases, stand as valuable cultural icons, the nation's bridges and tunnels are clearly attractive targets for terrorists. In the wake of the terrorist attacks, the federal agencies responsible for domestic security quite naturally focused first on airport security. Although that focus is now shifting to other facets of transportation infrastructure, including ports, little funding or research has been directed specifically to bridges and tunnels. The owners and operators of these critical transportation links have essentially been left to fend for themselves.
展开▼
