On Aug. 1, 2007, the Interstate 35W bridge in Minneapolis collapsed into the Mississippi River during evening rush hour, killing 13 people and injuring more than 140.
An investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board later concluded a design flaw as the likely cause of the collapse. Investigators also cited additional weight from construction-related materials on the bridge when it collapsed as a contributing factor.
Minneapolis officials have dedicated a Remembrance Garden memorial honoring the 13 people who died and the injured.
August 8, 2007 - The collapse of the I-35W bridge has sparked widespread concern about how transportation infrastructure is maintained. Midday guests Phil Krinkie and Dee Long discuss how much we should spend on our roads, and where that money should come from. The two also answer listener call-in questions.
August 9, 2007 - At the beginning of a press converence Hennepin County Sheriff Dave Hayhoe announced the two new bodies pulled out of the river. Also present were MnDOT's Bob McFarlin and NTSB's Bruce McCladney.
August 9, 2007 - Hennepin County Medical Examiner Dr. Andrew Baker at news conference. Another body recovered.
August 9, 2007 - Minnesota Congressman Jim Oberstar is proposing a $25 billion program to repair or replace deficient bridges throughout the nation. Standing up river from the site of the 35W bridge collapse, Oberstar outlined a plan he said was aimed at preventing similar tragedies. The 8th District Democrat says increasing the federal gas tax by five cents a gallon over three years would help establish a new trust fund dedicated to bridge projects. Oberstar says his proposal would also improve bridge inspection requirements.
August 9, 2007 - A former National Transportation Safety Board investigator says the agency is likely to conclude that no single problem caused the collapse of the 35W bridge in Minneapolis. Minnesota Public Radio's Martin Moylan reports.
August 9, 2007 - The Hennepin County Sheriff's office says a sixth body was recovered at the site of the 35 W bridge wreckage early this afternoon. The sheriff's office says the medical examiner's office will now work to identify the body. Prior to the discovery of the body, Minneapolis Police Captain Mike Martin told reporters dive teams were moving into new areas of the wreckage.
August 9, 2007 - Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak says he told Minnesota Transportation officials he's worried plans are moving too fast to build a 35-W replacement bridge.
August 9, 2007 - St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman says there are encouraging signs that state government will spend what's needed to replace two aging bridges in the city. The Cayuga (ky-YOO-gah) bridge is still in daily use even though it was supposed to be replaced three years ago. St. Paul's Lafayette Bridge is scheduled for replacement in 2011. But, Coleman says that's too long to wait. The 39-year-old bridge has a history of structural problems similar to those found in inspections of the now collapsed 35W bridge. Coleman says he's been in touch with Governor Pawlenty about the timetable for replacing the bridges...
August 9, 2007 - Minneapolis city officials say the city's emergency preparedness plan helped first responders know what to do and communicate with each other in the critical moments following the bridge collapse. That plan also includes a way for the city to protect itself from financial disaster. This is crucial for a city trying to follow a tight budget. As Minnesota Public Radio's Brandt Williams reports the biggest expense so far has been for police overtime.
August 9, 2007 - Authorities recovered two bodies today from the 35-W bridge collapse, bringing the death toll to seven. Officials have not released the identities of the latest victims discovered. It is unclear whether they are among the eight people who have been officially listed as "missing." Earlier today before the latest victims were discovered, Minneapolis Police Captain Mike Martin told reporters police came across a homeless man who had entered their restricted area. Martin said the man they detained helped police with information on whether any homeless people were encamped under or around the bridge at the time of the collapse.