New FIU Bridge Is A Step In The Right Direction

Humberto Mendez Prince/Staff Writer

Two years ago, FIU along with FIGG Engineering Group, attempted to build a pedestrian bridge that would’ve connected a large part of the Sweetwater community with the university’s MMC campus. At some point during construction, the bridge gave in, effectively injuring eight individuals and causing the deaths of six more.

This tragedy hit the university community especially hard considering that an FIU student was among those who perished in the accident. And while this devastating event can never be forgotten, it may also serve as a grave reminder for any future endeavors FIU aims to undertake, such as the reconstruction of the bridge.

The fact remains that FIU needs a bridge to connect the students that live in the nearby neighborhoods with the university’s grounds. It goes without saying that a bridge would significantly reduce the possibility of pedestrian accidents when crossing 8th street, effectively increasing student safety.

In response to online comments, the FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) stated last week that after learning from their previous mistakes they’re willing to continue the project of building a bridge to connect students with FIU. The university wasn’t far behind to also give the ok to start planning the construction and has agreed to partner with the FDOT in building the new bridge 

Understandably for some students and staff members of the university, the concept of reigniting a project that resulted in one of FIU’s darkest chapters in its history is an outrageous idea. In addition, there’s the issue that many students would find it extremely difficult to place their trust in MCM which is the company that attempted to build the bridge.

Hence, an ideal solution would be that another company takes over the initiative, adding more rigorous inspections at the time of construction and a more detailed plan of the bridge. This way we can guarantee that another scenario similar to what happened two years ago will not repeat itself. The university has also mentioned plans to create a memorial on the new bridge for the lives lost during the construction of its predecessor.

Although mistakes were made, a bridge to connect FIU is necessary. Not only it will diminish the risk of potential accidents but it will promote increased safety for the students living in the surrounding neighborhoods. 

Trust in this new bridge will not be easy but should FIU heed the lesson that was learned two years ago, we may walk easy knowing they will put our safety first in this new path to healing.

Featured image by FIU Flickr.

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