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 17, 2007 - Minnesota transportation officials have lots of public input to consider as they continue planning a new 35W bridge in Minneapolis. Hundreds of Twin Cities residents took advantage of their first chance to sound off about the replacement bridge at an open house in Roseville last night. Minnesota Public Radio's Jess Mador was there and has this report.
August 17, 2007 - Governor Pawlenty says the state can build a new 35W bridge with the future capacity to hold light rail transit. But Pawlenty says that aspect of the bridge would add to the overall cost, and not be covered by the available federal funding. City leaders in Minneapolis have been pushing for light rail in the design of a replacement bridge. But some state officials have warned that a light rail discussion would delay the fast-track project. During his weekly radio show Pawlenty said the word from engineers that the bridge could handle light rail was a breakthrough.
August 17, 2007 - Governor Pawlenty says the new I-35W bridge can be designed to hold light rail without causing significant delays to its construction. The news is encouraging to Minneapolis city officials who've advocated for the inclusion of rail transit in the new bridge plan. The governor added that such plans will be costly, although he gave no dollar estimates. MPR's Brandt Williams reports.
August 17, 2007 - Catastrophes, such as the I-35W bridge collapse and 9/11, raise the question of how much the government should invest in the safety and security of its population. But safety may come at a cost too great for the government to bear. Panelists discussed the issue along with members of the public at Minnesota Public Radio's UBS Forum.
August 21, 2007 - Governor Pawlenty met today with President George Bush. Pawlenty and other emergency officials briefed the President on the goverment's response to the flooding in SE Minnesota as well as the I-35 bridge collapse shortly after he arrived in the Twin Cities this afternoon. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlick is with the President and has a report.
August 21, 2007 - President Bush today declared an emergency exists in Minnesota as a result of the 35W bridge collapse. The declaration comes a day after divers recovered the thirteenth and last known victim from the river. Officials are now stepping up efforts to remove debris from the site of the bridge collapse. And Governor Pawlenty is moving closer to calling a special session of the Legislature to deal with bridge costs, as well as flood relief for Southeastern Minnesota. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports.
August 21, 2007 - After almost three weeks of television images, and a stream of photos in newspapers and on the web, there's something about the collapsed 35-W bridge that people still want to see for themselves. This afternoon, the city of Minneapolis re-opened what's known as Bridge 9. The former railroad bridge is now a pedestrian and bicycle link between the west and east banks of the Mississippi River. It provides the closest view of the collapse site open to the public. An hour after it re-opened, there was already a steady stream of people on foot and bicycle. They were on the bridge to see the collapse in person. And so was Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Crann. While he was there a quiet crowd built steadily and he talked to Ben Ragsdale from Minneapolis. Tom asked him to describe what he saw of the collapsed I-35W bridge.
August 21, 2007 - State and federal officials say the recovery of the 13th and last known victim of the 35W bridge collapse means cleanup of the site can now proceed at a faster pace. Investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board will oversee the debris removal as they continue to look for the cause of the collapse. At a news conference today, NTSB Chairman Mark Rosenker said contractors can haul away the southern end of the bridge and the entire concrete deck.
August 22, 2007 - President Bush is promising a "flood of help" for people in southeastern Minnesota. He's also pledging quick federal help to replace the 35-W bridge. Bush made the comments on a trip to Minnesota yesterday. He was in the Twin Cities to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for Republican Senator Norm Coleman's re-election effort. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports.
August 22, 2007 - The I-35W bridge collapse and the flooding in southeastern Minnesota appear to be increasing the chances of a special session. Governor Pawlenty and legislative leaders say they're optimistic lawmakers will convene this fall, but say some issues remain to be resolved beforehand. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports.