The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-03-03
FREE BRIDGE WAY
. COLLAPSE: ANY. DAY
.-----------
Council Advised That Richmond
Manchester Structure Is in Dan
gerous Condition.
PEOPLE TERRIFIED ON CAR
Oscillation Such That Experts Are
Alarmed-Sways Badly Under
Congestion Of Traffic.
PEOPLE TERRIFIED ON CAR

Believing that the Free Bridge be-
tween Richmond and Manchester Is in
a dangerous condition, ana expressing
the fear that it may collapse under
zens made an excited appeal yesterday
to Mayor Mccarthy for an examination
OF the structure. with the result that
the matter was officially presented to
the Common Council in special mes
sage from the Mayor last night.
According to a written statement
made to City Attorney Pollard by Mr..
a. a. .1 Preston s. Carson, the bridge appar-
rect special attention. said Mr. Car
son. ito the vibration, literally as we'll
as horizontally. of the structure, when
ever heavily laden truck or car
passes over 1t, which for several
months past seemed to be on the in
crease. until now it appears to have
REACHED the danger point.
Whether or not this danger actually
exists ST; can be determined by proper
City Attorney Pollard urged the
Mayor yesterday to bring the matter
70 the attention of Council. The .Mayor
says he is reliable informed that the
occupants of street car fed from
1t in terror the other day while cross.
ing the bridge.
The official complaint has been re-
i i,d to the James River Bridge Com
mission mission with instruction to make an
r., Mayor Urges Prompt Action.
MI, IN ms communication to Council
Mayor saI Mccarthy says:
~ have to-day received from Hon. II. II.
Pollard, the. City. Attorney, n communion
lion concerning the condition of the Free
IDriage. connecting this city with NIanclies-
o. o. Preston Carson. Esq, setting fortl, the
met that the condition of the bridge has
u, ou use, the attention and the apprehension
OF citizens of Richmond and of Chesterfield
county who use the bridge, and I now in
close these letters for your information.
wv am reliably. informed that recently.
car and n heavily laden wagon the oscilla-
non OF the bridge was so great us to cause
nc occupants of the street car to flee from
II in terror.
In message to your honorable body,
covering the operations of the city govern,
,not 10Y the year 1904. and dated April 3.
, tSoo, Ihe following language was used by
The Council should appoint special
,eh I'M to inquire into the management
al ordinance requiring semi annual or an
nai reports from the commissioners Of the
'..uGe, giving detailed statement OF the
and and cost Of future repairs, and some nc
.Duht or past expenditures on account o.
Inc bridge. As the matter now stands no
'erorts are required or made
1T Is fact that Richmond must event
a. aa's construct and own Il suitable and SUI
, nnnt b-iIge connecting the city with Man
INC htccSsity Tor this
Gems 10 prove that the only suitable bridr .
touia De one OF sufficient width and of such
inrhole material as to constitute In every
'chse fulIy-equipped street hetvean ~
w" cities. capable of accommodating pedes-
.ians, Sehlcles and street cars, in each case
tetinS IN two directions by separate paths
u the same time
H. now urge the Importance of an imma-
l. NE ana thorough examination of the Free
.licse by competent engineers, and again
ihse upon your honorable body the neces-
NY Tor full and complete annual or semi
i III reports from the commissioner of
ne 9.ridEe. giving detailed statements Of It's
, unui.1on, the probable need and cost OF
, uture repairs and some account OF mast ex.
on account of the bridge"