The new pedestrian bridge under construction on 8th Street has divided students’ opinions, with some deeming the bridge necessary while others are reluctant to use it, citing fears rising from the collapse of the previous bridge in 2018.
Jorge Cardona | Staff Writer
Last October, construction began on a new pedestrian bridge connecting the off-campus apartments in Sweetwater to FIU’s MMC campus. The new bridge is meant to replace the first one, which collapsed in March 2018, resulting in the deaths of six people, including one student.
The project has been advancing ever since, with construction of the main connecting structure beginning in recent weeks, leading to road closures this past weekend.
Students have differing and often contradicting opinions about the new bridge. Many believe it to be necessary as an added safety measure for the students who cross 8th Street daily to get to and from campus, with 8th Street being a heavily used road and often the site of accidents.
One student, Tai Leon (Freshman, Finance Major), stated that he believes it is unlikely a second collapse will take place, affirming that the bridge will probably be safe to use.
“I think actually the bridge will be very safe…They’ve got a lot of pressure on this to make sure that it’s actually safe… I feel they’re not going to let it collapse twice.”
Another student anonymously commented on an Instagram story question: “As someone who lived at 109 Tower and saw plenty of ambulances there, we need it.”
Other students are more ambivalent, however, citing their concerns about the safety of the new bridge and doubts as to whether the added measures and “structural redundancies” will actually prevent an accident from happening again.
Kevin Mencia (Sophomore, Computer Engineering) expressed his concerns about the safety of the bridge and his opinion that students are unlikely to use it due to fears and concerns stemming from the collapse of the first bridge.
“Everyone’s avoiding it. Even I’ve said I am not driving under there, I’d rather go the long way.”
When asked if he believed the bridge would benefit FIU students, he responded:
“Yes and no. It’ll bring a lot of fear to them, which is already shown without it even being finished…I think it would help them more if they felt safer on it. But regardless, I think it’s a lot more fear than help.”
Claudy Louis (Junior, International Business) expressed his ambivalence about the project:
“I honestly have mixed opinions on it. I do see its practical use and purpose, but with the accident happening so recently, its influence is still in my head regarding my own safety and that of other students.”
The new bridge project has sparked much debate among students on social media, with both sides expressing their thoughts and arguments. Ultimately, only time will tell who is right.
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