Are you depending on Bridges?

[ZapThyCat]

I was thinking about the area where I live, and it occured to me that if just a few bridges/overpasses were wiped out, then there really wouldn't be a way for me to get out of here.

You see, I live in a delta-region, and there are lots of islands and such around here.  I got to thinking about other areas... and just about every place has rivers and streams, gullys and canyons that are very difficult to cross without a bridge.  

In fact, I was thinking of the San Francisco Bay Area... 7 million people live there, and if you destroyed just a few bridges, no one would be able to get in or out.  

For those of use that are planning on bugging out, this could be a very bad thing.  Earthquakes, terrorists... even gangs that are staking out "their territory" could render bridges ineffective, and making escape impossible.  

It's nice to have a 4x4, but lets face it, having a 4x4 doesn't make you into a rockclimber, nor can you cross rivers with it.  

A boat could come in handy, but then you are limited to the river/ocean/lake and where it goes, since I doubt you want to hike too far with all your gear.  Unless you have a ferry, you gotta leave your car behind.  

Anyone thought about this before?

[moulton]

Where I am if I were to bug out I would either face 101 south to San fransisco  or up north crossing several bridges. The river is only deep right after rainstorms and when it hasnt rained it only 1-2 ft. max

[connolpm]

That's why my minivan has a snorkel!  :P   Just kidding, you have a good point.

[fastvfr]

Bridges are part of the highway system.

The highway system is owned by the Feds--NOT US.

I am guessing it would be an extremely effective ploy for the JBT's to blast the bridges they cannot guard to prevent mass migrations they aren't in control of.

But, then again, ALL our highways are belong to them...so you might not even MAKE it to a bridge at all.

Good point, though. I can walk to my prep sites just by following a couple of creekbottoms and a ridge.

[1952Sniper]

What!?   The Feds don't "own" every single bridge in this country.  Nor do they "own" the 'highway system'.  The only ones they control are the interstates.  State, county, and municipal roadways (including bridges) are all the responsibility of the States.

I'm sure the military probably has some kind of "emergency authority" to use and/or control even local roads.  But they would have no legitimate authority to destroy State property without permission.

Of course, this IS a SHTF scenario we're talking about.  But still, unless we're talking about the interstates, the Feds have no authority to physically destroy bridges.  If they do so, things are probably a lot worse than we all could imagine.

[Foul]

As a side note, one should also learn how to take a bridge out effectively in a SHTF situation, whether it's a foreign power or JBTs steamrolling across the countryside.
Learn to tamp the charges to take out any bridge the enemy might use to move troops or supplies.

[ZapThyCat]

As a side note, one should also learn how to take a bridge out effectively in a SHTF situation, whether it's a foreign power or JBTs steamrolling across the countryside.
Learn to tamp the charges to take out any bridge the enemy might use to move troops or supplies.

Wow, you ARE prepared...  

I'm stocking up on ammo and guns, I'm not making explosives, as fun as that sounds....

Besides, I wouldn't know where to begin.  Diesel and fertilizer, or some molotov cocktails, but that's about the extent of my knowledge of explosives  

[Foul]

I'm not making the explosives yet either, but I have all the formulas and knowledge to do so if need be.
It's like the old saying goes, if you're gonna be a bear, be a grizzly.
All I'm saying is arm yourself with knowledge, 'cause that's one thing Unkle Samski can't take from you.

[1952Sniper]

I'm sure there are plenty of places out there to get such knowledge.  But let's not start talking about how to make bombs here on this board.

[Foul]

Had no intention of it.

[grammaton76]

What, you can't just cut a bridge in half with a few mags from a Mosin?  

Just kidding.