It was designed to withstand many things, like winds and rain, and high floods. And, as expected in 1998, hurricane Mitch arrived.
Now the amazing part is that the bridge didn't get wiped out or fall down. However, it wasn't really time to celebrate:
Unfortunately the weather moved the river. Of course this wasn't an immediate concern, the hurricane found plenty of other structures to destroy.
Still, life goes on, so its back to work making new bridges.
[reference]
USGS report on the damage.
Feb '04
Oops I dropped by satellite.
New Jets create excitement in the air.
The audience is not listening.
Mar '04
Neat chemicals you don't want to mess with.
The Lack of Practise Effect
Apr '04
Scramjets take to the air
Doing dangerous things in the fire.
The Real Way to get a job
May '04
Checking out cool tools (with the kids)
A master geek (Ink Tank flashback)
How to play with your kids