Damage found on fender device under I-35E bridge

St. Paul, Minn. (AP) — Officials are investigating and planning repairs after noticing damage to a fender beneath the Interstate 35E Bridge that crosses the Mississippi River in Lilydale.

The fenders serve as a barriers protecting bridge piers from barges that pass under the bridge.

Crews from the state Department of Transportation investigated the damaged fender Tuesday.

Agency spokeswoman Bev Farraher said the department has made sure there are navigation lights on the pier to show where the damaged portion of the fender is protruding into the channel used by barges.

The cause of the damage hasn't been determined. The agency said the fender will be taken down and replaced, possibly by this fall.

And officials said an inspection showed the bridge remains safe for drivers.

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Information from: KSTP-TV, http://www.kstp.com

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