Rankin Bridge

I enjoyed working on the Rankin Bridge session last night where we discussed various ways to provide useful information to those of us who will be affected by the bridge rennovation. This includes not only people living in the area but everyone who crosses the bridge as well. The idea of of providing real time alerts (i.e. , air pollution, noise pollution ) via radio broadcasts, pod casts and the Internet will provide practical, useful information. In addition, the ability to provide additional information to a captive audience will be helpful in both educating and promoting our communities.

My concern is our ability to move beyond the idea, feel good community input stage of this project to something that really works and can be implemented. My hope is that the necessary technology is available , including hardware, software and brainware (i.e on going technical expertise) to make this project a true reality and not just an academic exercise. Hopefully we will be able to introduce some new technologies here that can not only be used on this project but on other projects and will catch the attentionof future funders that can make this project a reality.

Mike Tobias

Check out these two Gigapans of the Rankin Bridge:

Gigapan #1
Gigapan #2

How could we use these images to further community support for/awareness of the Rankin Bridge project?

After our June 25th workshop, a number of other ideas came up. They include:

Pedestrian crossing alerts: flashing lights, bells, balloons… whatever will alert motorists that pedestrians are crossing the street

Traffic broadcasts: via radio or podcasts, drivers can tune in to hear updates on traffic congestion, alternate routes, and informational tidbits on the Braddock community

Bridge project comparisons: comparing data between the Rankin Bridge project to other recent bridge projects (Homestead Grays Bridge, Duquesne Flyover Project, etc.)

How can we bring the community together to monitor the Rankin Bridge rehabilitation project?

What types of action that can be taken to ensure the health of the surrounding neighborhoods and environment?

• Before-During-After: Document environmental characteristics of the Rankin Bridge before, during, and after the bridge project. What changes occur?

• Mechanical Flag: Build a robot to wave a large flag every time the air quality index reaches a certain threshold

Please add your own to the list!