We know all too well how a train derailment can change people’s lives in an instant. Recent events in Ohio harken back to 1876, when the Ashtabula train disaster was the worst of the 19th century, taking the lives of 95 people. While crossing the Ashtabula River in a harrowing blizzard, the bridge collapsed, sending the Pacific Express to an untimely end. PBS Western Reserve recently broadcast a two-hour documentary that takes us back over 100 years ago to see how it happened. If you missed this exceptional program, you can see it this Sunday at 4 PM on PBS Western Reserve. 

It was easy to see what happened back in 1876—the bridge collapsed. But why? What causes bridges to fail is something that structural engineers study to prevent future disasters. That’s the focus of this week’s NOVA. From Genoa, Italy, to the Silver Bridge joining Port Pleasant, W.V., and Gallipolis, Ohio, we’ll see if new technology can make bridges safer. You can watch “Why Bridges Collapse” this Tuesday at 5 PM on PBS Western Reserve, or any time on Passport. 

If you’re really, really into bridges, here’s a program that I bet you haven’t seen for quite a while—THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE from Ken Burns. It was his first PBS documentary and, at one hour, his shortest. See how one of the most famous bridges in the world came to be and how it remains an iconic part of New York and of the United States. To watch the program, just turn to PBS Western Reserve’s Passport. It’s where you’ll find so many great documentaries, dramas, performances and more. Passport is a member benefit when you contribute to PBS Western Reserve. If you’re not yet a member, join here and see all the local and national programs waiting for you on Passport.