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 24, 2007 - 9-1-1 calls made within moments of the collapse of the I-35W bridge are providing some insight into what callers witnessed the night of August first. The bridge disaster killed 13 people and injured about 100. The Minneapolis Emergency Communications Center released tapes and transcripts of some 40 calls this afternoon in response to media organization requests. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck and Tim Pugmire listened to the recordings and produced this montage of the calls.
August 27, 2007 - Survivors of the Minneapolis bridge collapse have an opportunity this week to get counseling and connect with others who endured the same trauma. A group called Survivors Resources is sponsoring the get-together Wednesday. Spokeswoman Margaret McAbee says it's vital that survivors share their feelings.
August 30, 2007 - University of Minnesota officials are appealing to commuters to have a travel plan for the first week of classes starting this Tuesday. The 35-W bridge collapse cut off a significant access point to University Avenue, putting added pressure on other campus entries. In response, the university is also making street and parking adjustments to try and minimize added congestion. Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes reports.
September 3, 2007 - As Governor Pawlenty and legislative leaders still disagree on an agenda for a potential special session, some analysts say the prolonged partisan wrangling could have a political price. The Republican governor wants assurances that DFL lawmakers will keep the focus on emergency needs related to floods and the 35W bridge collapse. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports.
September 4, 2007 - Fall classes resume today at the University of Minnesota's Twin Cities campus and officials are bracing for traffic problems. The first day back is often chaotic, as nearly 70,000 students and staffers return to campus. But this year could be more complicated than usual because of the 35W bridge collapse. Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes reports from a pedestrian overpass on Washington Avenue, on the U of M's East Bank.
September 4, 2007 - Tonight representatives from MnDOT and the city of Minneapolis will present a plan to add a temporary off-ramp from I-35W southbound onto East Hennepin Avenue. The proposal is part of a larger plan to better manage traffic around the collapsed bridge, until a new bridge is built. But the plan could cause some major headaches for people who work and live in the area. Minnesota Public Radio's Brandt Williams reports:
September 4, 2007 - Fall classes resume today at the University of Minnesota's Twin Cities campus and officials are bracing for traffic problems. The first day back is often chaotic, as nearly 70,000 students and staffers return to campus. But this year could be more complicated than usual because of the 35W bridge collapse. Todd Kramascz with the Minnesota Department of Transportation comments.
September 5, 2007 - Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak speaks at the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearings held to figure out how to fix the nation's "structurally deficient bridges". This segment was from an hours long hearing led by U.S. Representative Jim Oberstar.
September 5, 2007 - Mostly Oberstar's opening statement plus testimony from Panel One, Transportation Secretary Mary Peters and her aide Richard Capka.
September 5, 2007 - U.S. Transportation committee, chaired by U.S. representative Jim Oberstar, hears witnesses on I-35W bridge collapse and the state of bridges in general. Panel 1: Structurally Deficient Bridges in the U.S. Panel 2: Calvin Scovel, US DoT, Inspector General; and Mark Rosenker, NTSB Chairman. Panel 3: R.T. Rybak, mayor of Minneapolis; and Kathleen Novak, mayor of Northglenn, CO. The segment ends with the Colorado mayor's testimony before they broke for a House vote.