Dear Mahatma: I read that the Arkansas Highway Police will monitor the Arkansas 187 bridge at Beaver after video emerged this week of a too-big tour bus driving over the bridge, which has a 10-ton weight limit. Will a citation be issued based on the video evidence?
--Bryan
Dear Bryan: Chief Jay Thompson of the AHP, the agency tasked with regulating really big vehicles, said there is an ongoing investigation regarding the bus videoed going over the bridge. He said he couldn't give us specific information on the investigation, but the agency is taking the matter seriously.
O Mahatma: Can you use your influence to encourage the Arkansas Department of Transportation to send crews and/or a sweeper truck to pick up the debris accumulated on the Interstate 30 bridge over the Arkansas River. Junk includes shredded tires, chunks of concrete and other stuff that poses a hazard. I get the feeling ArDot wants this bridge to look as decrepit as possible to generate public support in the quest to replace it, but drivers still have to cross it every day.
-- Cracked Windshield
Dear Cracked: You display a remarkable balance of personality -- half optimist, half cynic. How's that working out?
The optimist part is the idea that The Mahatma has some influence over the affairs of government agencies. Whatever influence there may be, it is only because of the good will of our bazillions of readers across the state.
We are but a megaphone to their angst.
As for the cynicism, you suggest ArDot leaves the bridge trashy to make folks want to get behind 30 Crossing, the plan to replace not only the bridge but about 7 miles of the heavily trafficked interstate highway between Little Rock and North Little Rock.
Nah.
We take the view that this aircraft carrier of a project cannot be turned around. In our weak mind, the deal is 99.44 percent done, with ArDot estimating design and construction to start in the first quarter of 2019.
That is practically tomorrow morning.
Also, there are so many trashy drivers leaving junk all over the state's highways it's impossible clean it up in a timely fashion.
But better to light a candle than curse the darkness. Go to idrivearkansas.com, an ArDot website. Put your cursor on the Contact button. Scroll down to Report a Problem. Then report.
Dear Mahatma: I try to adhere to the posted speed limit, so I stay in the interstate's right lane. Even so, I am followed closely by other drivers who apparently think I'm driving too slowly. Would you allow me to say something to them through your column? HEY! IF YOU WANT TO SPEED, MOVE OVER. YOU HAVE TWO LANES IN WHICH TO BREAK THE LAW. STAY OUT OF MINE.
-- May I Vent?
OMG Girlfriend: Vent away. You also have the distinction of being the FIRST PERSON allowed to use ALL CAPS in a question.
Vanity plate seen on a BMW: WICKD31.
Fjfellone@gmail.com
Metro on 10/20/2018