Fiber-0Ptic Warning System Installed At Causeway
On Feb. 27, officials launched at the South Padre Island causeway in Texas a fiber-optic warning system–the first of its kind in the country–which takes action if anything shaking the bridge’s stability occurs.
The $900,000 system has a pair of fiber-optic cables the thickness of a fountain pen that are linked across the bridge’s north side. They are stretched in areas and are weakened in sections; if part of the bridge breaks, one or both will break, transmitting signals to computers that will initiate a railroad-style gate to close the bridge.
The system also automatically notifies law enforcement agencies if an emergency occurs.
Abstracted by the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center(NLECTC) from the Associated Press (03/05/04); Brezosky, Lynn .