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 9, 2007 - Minnesota Department of Transportation officials say they plan to shut down parts of Twin Cities highways in the next few weekends. The goal is to expand the roadways and relieve bottlenecks resulting from the loss of the I-35W bridge in Minneapolis. In addition, MNDot Officials also say they've found no concerns with five state bridges that have the same design as the 35W bridge that collapsed. Minnesota Public Radio's Elizabeth Stawicki reports.
August 9, 2007 - President Bush says he is not in favor of raising the federal gas tax to pay for bridge repairs. Mister Bush made his comments during a news conference this morning. They came one day after Minnesota Congressman Jim Oberstar called for the tax increase to pay for bridge improvements. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
August 9, 2007 - Since the 35W bridge collapse last week, there's been a lot of attention on how, and how often, bridges are inspected. As investigators look for the causes of the collapse of the Minneapolis bridge, engineers around the country will continue their inspections, hoping to find evidence that could prevent the next bridge failure. Finn Hubbard is the state bridge engineer for the State of Wisconsin. In his career, he's performed bridge inspections. Earlier, he told us how bridge engineers actually check out the underside of major bridges.
August 9, 2007 - On this Midmorning program, MPR’s Kerri Miller talks with Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak, who reflects on the response to the I-35W bridge collapse, and the area's struggle to return to normal life. Rybak also answers listener questions.
August 9, 2007 - Midday’s Gary Eichten talks with Dr. John Hick, a physician at the Hennepin County Medical Center Department of Emergency Medicine who was at the scene of the bridge collapse within minutes. He discusses the emergency response on the scene and in nearby hospitals.
August 10, 2007 - U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters press conference announcing fed money for bridge repair and reconstruction. She was joined by Gov. Tim Pawlenty, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak, and members of the Minnesota congressional delegation, including Sen. Norm Coleman, Reps. John Kline, Betty McCollum and Keith Ellison, and National Transportation Safety Board chairman Mark Rosenker.
August 10, 2007 - A traditional Muslim memorial service was held for the victims of the 35-W bridge collapse. About 50 people, mostly Somali, attended a prayer service at the gymnasium of the Brian Coyle Community Center in Minneapolis to remember those who died in the accident and are still missing.
August 10, 2007 - The Bush administration today announced it's making $50 million of the $250 million that's been authorized for the 35 W bridge project immediately available to the state. Officials say the money can be used not only for clean up, but also to begin developing a new bridge. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...
August 10, 2007 - Commuters in the Twin Cities metropolitan area continue to adjust to the collapse of the I-35W bridge. This weekend, MnDOT will close the major alternate route to 35-W, to make it more accessible to traffic before the start of the new work week. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Caputo details that change... and looks at how Minnesotans are adjusting to a new commute.
August 10, 2007 - Officials with the Minnesota Department of Transportation will meet today with the five contractors that have been selected as finalists for the I-35W bridge rebuild. The five contractors have worked on some of the largest projects in the nation. Those projects include bridges in California, Florida and Denver. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports.