Extreme heat threatens city's movable bridges

The Third Avenue Bridge in New York City became stuck open during a 95-degree heat wave, causing traffic disruptions. This incident highlights the vulnerability of the city's moveable bridges to extreme heat caused by climate change. Professor Debra Laefer explains, "These extreme events are going to, increasingly, interrupt our daily lives. When we design bridges, we design for a certain temperature range, and now, all of a sudden, areas are getting sustained heat like they've never had before." The city acknowledges the issue but notes that retrofitting bridges is a costly and complex process, suggesting such incidents may become more common in the future.