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The bridge reopens

Posted at 7:11 PM on September 17, 2008 by Bob Collins (4 Comments)
Filed under: Bridges and roads

The city of Minneapolis has sent out a list of changes to the city streets now that the I-35W bridge is reopening:

  • Second Street SE will reopen in conjunction with the I-35W Bridge, and West River Parkway will reopen in the coming days. These streets both pass directly under the I-35W Bridge and had to be shut down for security and safety reasons after the collapse and as crews worked to construct the new bridge.

  • To restore traffic flow from city streets to and from the new bridge, traffic signals and signs at freeway and entrance ramps will be altered in time for the bridge opening. These changes will essentially undo some modifications that were made to divert traffic away from closed sections of the freeway following the collapse.

  • Traffic signal timing was adjusted on Central Avenue and other streets following the bridge collapse, and engineers will likely adjust the signal timing again as new traffic patterns take shape.

  • The Tenth Avenue Bridge, which runs parallel to the I-35W Bridge, will remain as it is for the time being - with pedestrian access on the side facing the new bridge. Minneapolis is evaluating the options for the future of the Tenth Avenue Bridge and will soon announce changes to the current layout.

    Is the bridge reoprning going to affect you significantly? Our Public Insight Network wants to know.

    Moreover, if you were the one giving the speech just before the first car crosses, what would it say?

    Comments (4)

    With every car that crosses that bridge, I believe a little healing is done. The hearts of those involved in the accident and of a country that was shaken by the collapse of the bridge will begin healing with every car that makes it across.

    Posted by Fernando | September 17, 2008 8:04 PM

    I am still weighing whether or not I will take that route tomorrow to downtown Mpls...because I know I will not make it dry eyed. Between friends and family who were near misses that day and the folks I know who are still suffering, and the folks I never knew who perished or are still suffering I know it is going to be significant when I cross over.

    Posted by BonnieR | September 17, 2008 11:11 PM

    Like the day it fell, and each time I've been reminded over the time since past, I think I will still be angry. I do pray that the new bridge and the completion of the gold medal park memorial brings closure to those who are still searching for something to fill the void created by last year's tradgedy.

    Posted by Tyler Suter | September 18, 2008 1:11 AM

    I crossed the bridge this morning -- changed my route so I could see for myself. Traffic moved quickly and efficiently, with no "gawker slowdown" that I could see.

    I think you get a better view of downtown from the new bridge. Also, the "sculpture" at both ends of the bridge looks nice.

    Posted by Bob Moffitt | September 18, 2008 7:50 AM

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