The Bush administration refused to fund repairing it after it was declared structurally unsound in 2005. Like the folks in the Twin Towers, those killed on the bridge were killed by George Bush's incompetence and corruption.
That's what happened.
It is also interesting, in a 'post 9/11 world', critical 'corridor' bridges, were NOT under constant scrutiny for structural soundness and security. To protect life, limb and big business.
I am so glad to hear that big business is REALLY chipping in to help the workers. With Granola bars and plastic chairs. That is REALLY nice. Target is throwing in some shirts.
I do have a cheaper suggestion here. Perhaps those businesses could outsource themselves and eliminate the need for rebuilding. Move the college into the FEMA trailers.
"I'm jutht tho proud to be here in Minethota. And I can tell you that on Theptember eleventh, 2001 I wath proud to be there too, when I wath needed. And jutht like the heroic polithemen there helped out the people, I want you to know that the heroic therfithmen of Michigan, Er, Minnethota will be moving to help right away. And the terrerrith may have thtruck a blow on Theptember eleventh, but they can't defeat the great American thpirit. Oopth. Gotta Go, I thee a camera!"
"It is also important for the State to inculcate in its subjects an aversion to any outcropping of what is now called 'a conspiracy theory of history.' For a search for 'conspiracies,' as misguided as the results often are, means a search for motives, and an attribution of individual responsibility for the historical misdeeds of ruling elites. If, however, any tyranny or venality, or aggressive war imposed by the State was brought about not by particular State rulers but by mysterious and arcane 'social forces,' or by the imperfect state of the world -- or if, in some way, everyone was guilty -- then there is no point in anyone's becoming indignant or rising up against such misdeeds. Furthermore, a discrediting of 'conspiracy theories' will make the subjects more likely to believe the 'general welfare' reasons that are invariably put forth by the modern State for engaging in aggressive actions."
Quote by: Murray N. Rothbard (1926-1995) Dean of the Austrian School of Economics Source: For a New Liberty (New York: Macmillan, 1973), p. 6