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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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Several groups say immediate action is needed to prevent another disaster like the 35W bridge collapse. But the latest negotiations between the governor and DFL legislative leaders indicate transportation funding might have to wait until next year's regular session. (09/05/2007)
House Democrats clashed with Republicans and the Bush administration Wednesday over whether to raise gas taxes to pay for safer bridges in response to last month's deadly collapse in Minneapolis. (09/05/2007)
Gov. Tim Pawlenty has sent a letter to legislative leaders saying that a special session to deal with flood recovery and the 35W bridge collapse may not be necessary after all. Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer talked with Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller. (09/05/2007)
E-mails obtained by The Associated Press show Minnesota Department of Transportation officials puzzling over the source of the hole, with one engineer suggesting it was part of a larger erosion problem in that area. (09/04/2007)
No major traffic jams are reported, despite the detours around the collapsed 35W bridge near campus. But motorists are still being urged to give themselves extra time if they're heading to the area. (09/04/2007)
As Gov. Pawlenty and legislative leaders still disagree on an agenda for a potential special session, some analysts say the prolonged partisan wrangling could have a political price. (09/02/2007)
The number of companies interested in building the replacement Interstate 35W bridge is now four after one company dropped out of the running. (08/28/2007)
Seconds after a major Minneapolis freeway bridge fell into the Mississippi River during rush hour on Aug. 1, frantic callers reached 911 and struggled to describe what they had just seen. (08/24/2007)
The Minnesota Department of Transportation says the five companies hoping to land the I-35W bridge rebuilding project have less than three weeks to prepare a bid on the project. But the state is offering up $27 million if the bridge is finished early. (08/24/2007)
Minnesota's twin disasters, the bridge collapse and southeastern flooding, have tested the state's emergency response. Public Safety Commissioner Michael Campion has said he expects the federal response may be strained by disasters beyond the state's borders. (Midmorning, 08/24/2007)
If you've had to take a detour because of the I-35W bridge collapse, chances are you've been burning extra gas -- and time. The state estimates the cost of those delays and detours adds up to about $400,000 a day. (08/23/2007)
With the recovery of the last body from the I-35W bridge collapse site, the mission of a team of U.S. Navy divers is complete. Some of those divers spoke about their experience working at the bridge site. (08/22/2007)
The NTSB says it is looking into the de-icing system on the I-35W bridge, as well as the weight of construction materials in place on the bridge the day of its collapse, as possible factors in the accident. (08/22/2007)
Gov. Pawlenty said he and top legislators reached a "general understanding" Wednesday on the need for a special session to provide flood relief for southern Minnesota and funding to respond to the Minneapolis bridge collapse. (08/22/2007)
MnDOT said the Robbin Bridge on Highway 11 in far northwestern Minnesota was closed Tuesday night after a crack was found in a support bracket for a girder. (08/22/2007)

I-35W bridge reopening

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

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