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.
September 5, 2007 - The U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee held hearings today to figure out how to fix the nation's "structurally deficient bridges". After the I-35W bridge collapse in Minneapolis at the beginning of last month, both Congress and the transportation department have been focusing more of their attention on these vital, aging structures. U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Mary Peters provided testimony today. While she does not like the way bridges are getting classified, she says her department has not been neglecting them. Report also includes comments from U.S. Congressman Oberstar and Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak.
September 5, 2007 - The National Transportation Safety Board's investigation into the cause of the 35W bridge collapse has revealed damage in part of the bridge structure that the agency says warrants further inspection. Investigators say they have "observed damage in some gusset plates," the metal plates that held the bridge's steel beams together. A week after the bridge collapsed, the NTSB said the agency had identified what it called a design issue with gusset plates at certain locations on the bridge. Officials say they have not yet recovered all of the gusset plates from the Mississippi, so it is still impossible to say whether the gusset plates played a significant role in the collapse. But NTSB spokesman Terry Williams says the agency is not ruling anything out.
September 5, 2007 - Crews this week are inspecting the Highway 52 Lafayette Bridge over the Mississippi River in St. Paul. Structural problems were found many years ago, but repairs were made, and state officials say the bridge is safe. But, MnDOT spokesman, Kent Barnard, says the agency is taking another look after the 35W bridge collapse:
September 6, 2007 - The National Transportation Safety Board's investigation into the cause of the 35W bridge collapse has revealed damage in part of the bridge structure that the agency says warrants further inspection. Investigators say they have "observed damage in some gusset plates," the metal plates that held the bridge's steel beams together. A week after the bridge collapsed, the NTSB said the agency had identified what it called a design issue with gusset plates at certain locations on the bridge. Officials say they have not yet recovered all of the gusset plates from the Mississippi, so it is still impossible to say whether the gusset plates played a significant role in the collapse. But NTSB spokesman Terry Williams says the agency is not ruling anything out.
September 13, 2007 - Rescue and recovery workers from the 35-W Bridge collapse are being honored today. Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak, Police Chief Tim Dolan, and Fire Chief James Clack and others will offer their thanks in person to the many first responders who saved lives and helped in other ways on August 1st. Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek says he's expecting a couple hundred guests for a ceremony tonight at M-and-S Steakhouse and Grille.
September 13, 2007 - Hundreds of people who assisted at the 35-W bridge collapse site are guests of honor at a special ceremony in downtown Minneapolis this evening. Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak, Police Chief Tim Dolan, and Fire Chief James Clack and others will offer their thanks in person this morning to the many first responders who helped during the 35-W Bridge collapse. Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek says today's events are a good-will gesture by the businesses and citizens of the city and state.
September 14, 2007 - The four teams of contractors hoping to rebuild the I-35W bridge have submitted their sealed bids to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports.
September 15, 2007 - The four teams of contractors hoping to rebuild the I-35W bridge have submitted their sealed bids to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports.
September 18, 2007 - In north Minneapolis the Lowry Avenue bridge over the Mississippi River is being closed during daylight hours this week for detailed inspections. The Minnesota Department of Transportation is checking the bridge for structural deficiencies. Hennepin County bridge engineer Jake Bronder says the bridge, which is called a "fracture critical" span, has only two main load-bearing members. And if one of the two were to fail, he says, the entire bridge could fall. So far, Bronder says, no problems have been found with the bridge and he doesn't expect state inspectors to close it down. Bronder says the bridge gets regular inspections, but in the wake of the 35W bridge collapse, Governor Pawlenty ordered MnDOt to take a closer look at all "fracture critical" bridges.
September 19, 2007 - This afternoon we'll find out which of several construction companies will be given the assignment to build a new I-35W bridge. Bids will be opened and examined by officials with MNDoT. Spokesman Kevin Gutnecht says this is not the typical way that bridge designs are chosen.