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In Winona, A Watched Bridge Outfitted For Tests

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Oct 27, 2009 7:27 am US/Central

In Winona, A Watched Bridge Outfitted For Tests

WINONA, Minn. (AP) ― A picturesque Winona highway bridge that Minnesota transportation officials are deciding how to rehabilitate or replace gets some new gear this week.

Weight sensors and strain gauges are scheduled to be added Tuesday and Wednesday to the Highway 43 bridge over the Mississippi River.

The equipment collects traffic data on the type and weight of vehicles as well as the stress being put on the structurally deficient span. It is classified as fracture critical, meaning the failure of one component can jeopardize the entire bridge.

Strain gauges will probably be used for a year.

Officials hope to start major construction on the bridge in 2014. The bridge has been open since 1941 and is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

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