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Minneapolis Bridge Collapse
The I-35W bridge over the Mississippi in Minneapolis collapsed during rush hour on August 1, 2007, plunging dozens of cars and their occupants into the river. The calamity disrupted transportation, aimed a spotlight on public infrastructure, and evoked an outpouring of public response.
 

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For the families whose loved ones were killed in the I-35W bridge disaster, the tragic news is still sinking in. (08/04/2007)
Minnesota Public Radio has gathered the perspectives of area residents and commuters who had a connection with the failed bridge. (08/03/2007)
"Everything is on the table," Pawlenty said Friday evening on the "Almanac" news program. "I will be moving to consider and put on the table a gas tax increase." (08/03/2007)
Officials with the National Transportation Safety Board say the investigation into the collapse of the I-35W bridge has taken a step forward. Investigators have discovered that the southern end of the bridge shifted 50 feet to the east while the rest of it fell in place. (08/03/2007)
The I-35W bridge collapse inflicted a heavy blow on the Twin Cities fragile highway system. Now the traffic volume of an 8-lane interstate will be pushed to smaller roads like Highway 280 and maybe to already congested side streets in neighborhoods nearby. (08/03/2007)
Minnesota Department of Transportation workers spent Friday inspecting three bridges in Minnesota. A fourth is scheduled for inspection, this weekeend. Gov. Tim Pawlenty ordered the move because the bridges are similar in construction to the I-35W bridge. (08/03/2007)
An emotional Lt. Gov. Carol Molnau Friday defended the actions of the state transportation department she leads. At the same time, Gov. Pawlenty opened the door to raising the state's gas tax to pay for road and bridge improvements -- something he has steadfastly resisted in the past. (08/03/2007)
Hennepin County officials have identified the fifth victim of the I-35W bridge collapse. He is Paul Eicksadt of Mounds View, whose semi trailer truck was crushed by the falling bridge. Searchers continue to look for other victims in the murky river. (08/03/2007)
Their careers brought them into the city. The Interstate 35W bridge was supposed to carry them out. But they were stuck in rush-hour traffic in the worst possible place at the worst possible time, and now at least 10 children are waiting for parents who will never arrive. (08/03/2007)
While the cause of the I-35W bridge collapse is unknown at this time, facts and background information on the bridge are coming to light. (08/03/2007)
First lady Laura Bush on Friday surveyed the wreckage of an interstate bridge that collapsed Wednesday into the Mississippi River in downtown Minneapolis, and praised those to rushed to help the wounded. (08/03/2007)
From drivers just a few cars away from the bridge as it plummeted into the river, to people on a boat party that came within 200 to 300 feet of the bridge as it collapsed, to those who were nearby and were mystified by the incredible sounds and the cloud of dust, Minnesota Public Radio News has gathered the firsthand experiences of people who experienced the collapse of the 35W bridge. (08/02/2007)
When it comes to commerce, three modes of travel are affected by this bridge collapse -- truck, barge and train. The collapse of the I-35W bridge will slow down the shipment of many goods and services. (08/02/2007)
A former National Safety Transportation Board official and a structural engineer join Midmorning to talk about the investigation process into the bridge collapse, and what's been learned from past bridge failures. (Midmorning, 08/02/2007)
Members of Congress are promising millions of dollars in assistance to rebuild the I-35W bridge. Two key Minnesota lawmakers are angry that it has taken a tragedy to free up money for such an essential piece of the state's transportation infrastructure. (08/02/2007)

I-35W bridge reopening

  • Read stories and see graphics, photos and video on the I-35W bridge reopening.

Multimedia

  • Audio, photos and video of press conferences, first-person accounts, and radio programs about the event.
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