An emergency inspection of the Karsten Thot Bridge jammed traffic near Wahiawa and revived a fight over whether a new pedestrian bridge is worth building — bad news for commuters either way.

• The bridge was shut for inspection after a loaded truck hit its upper beam, backing up cars on Kamehameha Highway outside Whitmore Village.
• Inspectors found the bridge safe, but the closure showed how fragile access is — Wahiawa has only two ways in and out.
• Supporters say a pedestrian bridge linking Wahiawa town to Whitmore Village would keep walkers and cyclists moving when the main bridge closes.
• Critics call it a waste of money since it would do nothing for car traffic.

Outlook: A community meeting Friday evening at the Whitmore community center lets residents weigh in before construction starts early next year.