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Sep 9, 2008 10:39 pm US/Central
New I-35W Bridge Could Open Tuesday To Traffic
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) ―
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"This bridge has been built to the highest possible safety standards and is coming in ahead of schedule," said MnDOT Commissioner Tom Sorel. (File)
CBS
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An earlier computer-generated preview of the bridge's design.
FIGG Bridge Engineers
The new Interstate 35W bridge could open as early as 5 a.m. Tuesday morning. The Minnesota Department of Transportation said Gov. Tim Pawlenty and other officials will appear Monday morning at the bridge to announce the specific opening time.
There are still several tasks to finish before cars can cross the bridge. The contractor must calibrate the SmartBridge system which monitors the bridge's movements. They also need to finish and stripe the bridge deck, install road signs, paint the exterior and landscape along the corridor.
"We're really happy with the quality of the work we've received and the product that we've received," said MnDOT Project Manager Jon Chiglo. "I think it's a structure everyone can be proud of."
The ramps will be in the same places but are designed to be safer. The bridge has been leveled and flattened so drivers can see further down the road.
"Throughout the rebuilding process, we have kept the memories of the victims of last August's bridge collapse in our thoughts and prayers," said MnDOT Commissioner Tom Sorel. "This bridge has been built to the highest possible safety standards and is coming in ahead of schedule. We're looking forward to seeing motorists using the new bridge next week."
Two monuments in the shape of a wave will mark where the bridge crosses over the water. The railings on the side of bridge are low enough to allow drivers to see they are crossing the river.
"People were not realizing they were crossing the bridge or the Mississippi River," Chiglo said.
Construction began on the bridge Nov. 1, 2007. Crews have worked virtually around the clock since then to complete the bridge ahead of schedule.
Flatiron Construction has a significant financial incentive to complete the bridge by Monday. That would allow the company to achieve the maximum bonus set up by the contract, a total of $20 million for being done 100 days early.
Although, Chiglo said that won't all be profit given the amount of overtime for crews working 24 hours a day.
MnDOT and city of Minneapolis officials expect commuters to return to the Interstate 35W bridge almost immediately. Mike Christenson, head of Minneapolis' economic development office, believes the new bridge will reduce congestion at the University of Minnesota, around the riverfront and on the bridges going in and out of Northeast Minneapolis.
"It was a huge, huge blow to our region to lose that bridge. We managed it well," Christenson said.
He said in the days after the collapse Best Buy, Target, Fedex and UPS diverted their delivery trucks from the downtown area during rush hour. Those trucks will return when the bridge reopens.
According to Pawlenty, the extra lane on Interstate 94 between Minneapolis and St. Paul will remain open for now. MnDOT said Highway 280 will continue to function as a freeway for now as well. Decisions on those roads will be made within the next few months.
West River Parkway is expected to open to cars when the bridge opens. It's not clear when the bike paths along the river will reopen.
Details on the investigation into what caused the collapse are expected in November.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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