Lets be realistic, even with engines running full astern you are not stopping/changing direction on a vessel that large. Simple physics. Ever try stopping on a wet road at speed? Now imagine there is no road to provide friction.
Bridge was built to standards in 1970. Probably designed a decade...
Believe there was an indy car that was turbine powered. Was not a quick accelerator, but once going no one could keep up. Exhaust pointed up, probably to generate more down force (pre wing cars).