Historic Bridges of the U.S. | Mississippi River I-35W Bridge

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Photos

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Work on the north end of the bridge

It appeared that at the time of this photo, workers were finishing up demolishing the abutments of the 1967 bridge. Unfortunately because the area was closed off, there was no way to get an even closer shot.

Photo taken by Jason Smith in December 2007

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The north approach to the bridge

...or what's left of it. This was taken from the Stetson Ave. Overpass, the last interchange before the bridge.

Photo taken by Jason Smith in December 2007

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The south approach

This looks like the demolition work on the 1967 bridge is completed.

Photo taken by Jason Smith in December 2007

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Work on the south end of the bridge

It appears that workers are preparing to construct the south pier of the new bridge.

Photo taken by Jason Smith in December 2007

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Wreckage of the railroad cars

This was relocated to this spot to allow for investigation. As you can see, the damage is worse than what was shown on TV.

Photo taken by Jason Smith in December 2007

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Work on the new pier.

This was taken from the 10th Avenue bridge. Because the construction area was closed off to visitors, I was able to get some photos from here only.

Photo taken by Jason Smith in December 2007

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Overview of the rail car wreckage.

From what I saw, at least 5 rail cars were either severely damaged or destroyed in the bridge collapse on 1 August

Photo taken by Jason Smith in December 2007

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Map

Vicinity Map

Vicinity map

Map links:

Facts

Overview: Collapsed deck truss bridge over the Mississippi River on I-35W in Minneapolis
Location: Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota
Status: Collapsed
History: Built 1967; collapsed Aug. 1, 2007
Design: Warren deck truss
Dimensions: Length of largest span: 456.1 ft.
Total length: 1,907.2 ft.
Deck width: 104.0 ft.
Approximate latitude, longitude: +44.97910, -93.24473 (decimal degrees)
44°58'45" N, 93°14'41" W (degrees°minutes'seconds")
Approximate UTM coordinates: 15/480704/4980658 (zone/easting/northing)
USGS topographic map: Saint Paul West
Inventory numbers: MN 9340 (Minnesota bridge number)
BH 20424 (Bridgehunter.com ID)
Inspection
Average daily traffic (as of 1971): 30

Update Log

March 18, 2008: New photos from Jason Smith

Sources

Wikipedia
Jason Smith - JDSmith77 [at] gmx [dot] net

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Comments

Mississippi River I-35W Bridge

Posted September 18, 2008, by Ian Anderson (iang2 [at] comcast [dot] net)

The new bridge, the Saint Anthony Falls Bridge, opened today. It's an arch-shaped concrete segmental box girder, and although it is rather boring compared to the adjacent concrete arch, it is a nice bridge judging by the pictures.

Mississippi River I-35W Bridge

Posted March 18, 2008, by J.R. Manning (thekitchenguy [at] sbcglobal [dot] net)

Jason, your photos really bring home the severity of the collapse. The high tension distribution towers, in the background, appear to be bowing in honor of those who lost their lives in the crash.

Mississippi River I-35W Bridge

Posted February 5, 2008, by Jolene (joakabridgefreak [at] yahoo [dot] com)

I have been across that bridge many times due to seeing my DR at the U.The day it collapsed I happened to have a very late appointment and just got across before I saw the sign fall!! I happen to live near a bridge like it that is now under investigation!!! Not near as big,being a 400ft span But someday that one will go too!! Already cracks in the gussette plates have been found.Being a bridgefreak I don't get scared too much,even when the thing is bouncing(flex)!! It don't seem to move anymore however.MN DOT does not seem overly concerned with the kettle river bridge here in sandstone,but alot of people refuse to drive over it!!My mom now floors it to get across quickly!! Too much paranoia here I think!I walk this bridge daily as it is a pretty route!( kettle river bridge is posted under pine county and I have posted it's pics for those interested!!)

Mississippi River I-35W Bridge

Posted August 5, 2007, by Carolyn Susor (carolyn_susor [at] jhancock [dot] com)

I live in Minneapolis & was always nervous about crossing this bridge. I avoided taking it if I could. I always thought it looked rickety. Also, when you were crossing it going south-bound, there was a big curve just as you were getting on the bridge. There were several entrance & exit ramps at that curve & you constantly had to watch for cross-traffic. I was afraid I'd drive off the thing. I'm so sorry that it collapsed taking people with it, but maybe now a better bridge will replace it.

Mississippi River I-35W Bridge

Posted August 5, 2007, by Carolyn Susor (carolyn_susor [at] jhancock [dot] com)

I live in Minneapolis & was always nervous about crossing this bridge. I avoided taking it if I could. I always thought it looked rickety. Also, when you were crossing it going south-bound, there was a big curve just as you were getting on the bridge. There were several entrance & exit ramps at that curve & you constantly had to watch for cross-traffic. I was afraid I'd drive off the thing. I'm so sorry that it collapsed taking people with it, but maybe now a better bridge will replace it.

Mississippi River I-35W Bridge

Posted August 4, 2007, by Leon Cote (leoncote [at] verizon [dot] net)

What bridges in Massachusetts are of the same contruction as Mississippi River I-35W Bridge?

Thanks,

Leon Cote