If you read the article, it was in storage and intended for use in another project. Metal thieves are among the scum who need hand amputations for first offence. Besides sometimes cutting "extra" pieces from rural bridges, they will steal guard railings, and on occasion chop up and completely remove little used rural bridges. The cost of replacing copper power and communication wire they steal is borne by utility customers or taxpayers and is much greater than the scrap value of what they steal. Then the catalytic converter thieves.... Hand removal first offence. Eyes for the second.