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Show 1 IMPROVED I ! ROADS j t PAI.'JT HELPS STEEL BRIDGES Life of Many Structures Shortened by Infrequent and Improper Treatment. (Prepared by tbr- T'nitf St:it"S Department of Ai,'tlcu!tU!t'.) The life of many steel highway bridges is materially shortened because be-cause of infrequent and improper painting, says the bureau of public roads of the United States Department of Agriculture. Each year a consider- tv. r f s-.0 w - x I A Dangerous Bridge This Rusting Could Have Been Prevented by Painting. able amount of money Is spent for the replacement of rusted bridge members that would have remained sound if they had been kept painted; and more serious than ihe waste of money is the danger to the public due to the weakening weak-ening of some hidden part which may cause the collapse of the whole bridge. Officials of the bureau urge that all steel bridges be inspected at least once each year and repainted at the first sign of rusting. Normally repainting is required at periods of from two to Ave years, depending on the climate. A suitable paint should be used, and if there is uncertainty about any point, information should be requested from the state highway department. It is a mistake to repaint without properly cleaning the metal of all( dirt, rust, loose paint, and blisters. Usually the places hardest to reach are the ones that should receive the most attention. |