The Crumbling Span Over the Gulch

Alarmed by what they consider an unsafe condition of the street railway bridge across the gulch at Delin street, citizens of the South End have appealed to Commissioner of Public Works Welch to have the bridge repaired or closed to traffic. John P. Meades, who lives at 4311 South L street, presented the matter to the commissioner this morning. It is claimed that the foundation of the bridge has become defective through exposure to the elements. A representative of the company recently examined the bridge and reported that its condition was such that a new bridge was necessary. Two years ago, complaint was made that the bridge was unsafe, and the street railway officials agreed to repair it. About that time, a change was made in the local management, and instead of being rebuilt, only minor repairs were made. This bridge was built about 14 years ago, and as far as can be learned, no extensive repairs have been made since. So widespread is the alarm that many people refuse to ride over it. The street car company is not ignorant of the condition of the bridge, and as a precautionary measure has issued an order that cars must come to a stop before crossing. All the heavy suburban cars on the lines running to the south pass over the Delin street bridge, and an accident would result in great loss of life. The feeling is heightened by the fact that a serious accident occurred there on the Fourth of July four years ago, when a heavily loaded car from South Tacoma jumped the track and fell into the gulch, killing 40 people.