Bridge Collapse

(AP) Reaction Tuesday to the National Transportation Safety Board's finding that undersized gusset plates were "the critical factor" in the Interstate 35W bridge collapse in Minneapolis that killed 13 people and injured 145:

"From the day after the collapse, from those of us involved in the industry the most important thing has been to determine the cause. ... There might be a small measure of relief at this time for those in the industry to know that we are now seeing the beginnings of the cause." -- Dan Dorgan, state bridge engineer.

"Although the NTSB has not determined the cause of the bridge collapse, it has uncovered an important piece of evidence, and I am pleased to see that the NTSB is sharing this information in a timely manner." -- U.S. Rep. James Oberstar, D-Minn., chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

"The work of the NTSB shows further that last summer's knee-jerk reaction to increase the gas tax and create another duplicative federal program before knowing what caused the collapse made no sense." -- U.S. Rep. John L. Mica, R-Fla., the top Republican on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

"The NTSB investigation is not yet complete, but the focus of the investigation appears headed in a direction different than many of the political claims that have been made here in Minnesota. It is our hope that at least now people will reserve further judgment until the investigation is complete and that we strive to address these matters in a fair, factual and nonpolitical manner." -- Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

"As the governor has said, the NTSB investigation is not yet complete. It would be helpful if he would follow his own advice and not add his own speculation on the cause of the 35W bridge collapse. ... (W)e told Minnesotans we will work to restore their faith in our roads and bridges. That includes finding not only the cause of the bridge collapse, but also reviewing decisions made by leadership at the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Finally, the most important step we can take is passage of a bi-partisan, comprehensive transportation funding plan that serves all of Minnesota." -- House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher, DFL-Minneapolis.

"We now have more information about the I-35W Bridge collapse, but many more questions remain. We owe it to the victims and their families to answer the questions of why this bridge fell and to make the needed investments so that disasters like this never happen again." -- Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak.

"When we stood at the site of the bridge collapse in August, we committed ourselves to preventing a similar tragedy from ever happening in this country again. NTSB's interim report is an important step in that direction ... . Looking forward, improving our national infrastructure is as important as ever. From our bridges and highways to our rail lines, waterways, and aviation network, we need to continue to invest in a transportation system that is good for our economy and safe for our families." -- U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman, R-Minn.

"The collapse of the I-35W bridge should be a call to action. When over 12 percent of all American bridges are in need of serious repair and the Highway Trust Fund is projected to go into deficit in (fiscal year 2009) -- it's clear additional investments in our state and national infrastructure must be made." -- U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn.

"These findings are helpful, but they do not make Minnesotans feel any safer as they travel with their families across our bridges. An improved NTSB inspection process on both the state and federal levels, as well as a commitment by all our elected officials -- including those running for president -- to fully fund our infrastructure needs would restore the public's faith in our roads and bridges." -- U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn.

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The original I-35W bridge over the Mississippi River opened in November 1967 and was 1,907 feet in length. The replacement bridge opened in September 2008 and measures 1,216 feet in length.

 

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