Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnR
From Wikipedia:
The I-35W Bridge is a deck-arch truss bridge that spans the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was built in 1967 by the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The bridge is notable for not having any piers in the water. Instead, the main support piers are located on the banks of the river, and are built of tubular-shaped concrete pillars. This allows for a wide, clear span across the river, making river navigation easier. Although not very decorative, the bridge is one of the widest bridges in the Twin Cities area and provides an important link for Interstate 35W traffic.
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I wonder if not having piers in the water is what caused this. In one of the pictures above, the double arch bridge next to the one that collapsed has a big concrete footing right in the middle of the river. It kind of defeats the purpose of not having piers in the water on the one that collapsed. Thoughts and prayers for the people who were killed or injured and their families. It's pretty scary that things like this can happen and you never know when or where.