Reminder on "Toughest Commute" Contest

Just thought I'd remind everybody that the deadline is fast approaching for entering the "Toughest Bridge Commute." The winner gets to detonate the charges that will bring down a portion of the old Wilson Bridge so that construction of the second new span can proceed. You've got until 7 a.m. on Friday, and you can enter online. Here are some details from the bridge project officials:

Toughest Bridge Commute entries are being received at www.wilsonbridge.com/toughestcommute.
Contestants are asked to provide objective evidence of their commuting challenges (i.e. miles per commute, time spent per day, how many years, etc.) as well as to write a few sentences explaining why their commute is particularly arduous.

An independent panel of veteran traffic reporters will name the winner. Bridge project staff will contact the winner immediately after the decision and will let him or her know when the detonation date is confirmed. Contestants must be able make themselves available to perform their trigger duty.

The detonation is part of the demolition of the original Wilson Bridge, which began last month, just after traffic was switched onto the first new bridge. The immediate demolition of the portion of the old bridge over Jones Point Park is required to make way for the second new span, opening in mid-2008.