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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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Few businesses apply for aid after I-35W bridge collapse

A low-interest loan program for businesses affected by the Interstate 35W bridge collapse had just eight applications through the end of 2007. (01/06/2008)

Legislature launches its own bridge probe

The Minnesota Legislature is spending up to $500,000 to hire a Minneapolis-based law firm to help investigate the 35W bridge collapse. (12/19/2007)

Federal budget includes $195 million for 35W bridge

Minnesota would receive $195 million to help replace the fallen I-35W bridge, as well as $50 million in security money for next year's Republican National Convention, under a year-end budget bill passed by the House late Monday. (12/17/2007)

Above-ground construction work begins on 35W bridge

Construction workers Monday began the above-ground phase of construction on the I-35W bridge project, as workers began pouring concrete for the first of five bridge abutments. (12/17/2007)

State nears end of nearly 4,000 bridge inspections

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is expected to finish inspecting all the state's bridges by next week. To date, the inspections have found that 15 state and local bridges with problems severe enough that they needed to be closed, immediately repaired or closed to some traffic. (12/13/2007)

Supreme Court won't hear appeal of 35W bridge bid award

Minnesota's top court won't get involved in a dispute over the new Interstate 35W bridge. (12/13/2007)

Three MnDOT managers discplined over Pitt case

State officials have disciplined three Transportation Department managers for lax oversight of an emergency manager who stayed out of state after the Interstate 35W bridge collapse. (12/10/2007)

Fired MnDOT emergency manager wants her job back

Sonia Morphew Pitt, the emergency manager fired by the Minnesota Department of Transportation, is appealing her termination and seeking reinstatement, according to her attorney. (12/05/2007)

Judge denies law firm access to bridge collapse data

In his ruling, the judge said that federal regulations covering National Transportation Safety Board investigations trump state laws dealing with access to government records. (11/29/2007)

Governor and legislators announce I-35W victims relief fund

Gov. Pawlenty and several lawmakers announced that the state will provide near-term relief for the victims of the I-35W bridge collapse. (11/29/2007)

Audit questions $26,000 in charges tied to ex-MnDOT manager

An investigation by Minnesota Legislative Auditor finds that the fired emergency manager for the Minnesota Department of Transportation cost the state at least $26,000 in unauthorized charges and pay. (11/28/2007)

Judge to rule within weeks on release of bridge data

A Hennepin County judge promised Thursday to rule by early December on how much data gathered after the Interstate 35 bridge collapse the state must make public and how quickly. (11/15/2007)

Minneapolis bridge funds held hostage in Washington budget battle

By a 270-147 vote, the U.S. House passed a bill that provides $195 million to replace the collapsed Interstate 35W span in Minneapolis and an additional $1 billion above President Bush's request to help states fix deteriorating bridges. He is threatening a veto. (11/14/2007)

How should the state help the bridge disaster victims?

It is estimated that some 180 people were on the 35W bridge when it collapsed. Thirteen of them were killed in the disaster and many were injured. What should the state do to compensate them and their families? (Midday, 11/14/2007)

MnDOT fires manager accused of improper travel

Sonia Morphew Pitt has been on administrative leave and under investigation over travel expenses, including an out-of-state trip she declined to cut short in the days following the Aug. 1 bridge collapse. (11/09/2007)

I-35W bridge reopening

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

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