Residual Forces

(OK get up off the floor, I am kidding around. Just read the post)

So Hennepin County has its own little bridge problem to deal with.

Hennepin County wants to replace the Lowry Avenue Bridge over the Mississippi River, after $4 million dollars have already gone into repairs.

The Lowry Avenue Bridge sits on 100-year-old foundation, rebuilt once in 1957.

Repairs began, but between April and Aug. of 2004, one of the piers shifted eleven inches. The shift created a visible kink in the bridge.  Engineers have been inspecting the Lowry Bridge every month since Aug. of 2004.

On Thursday, the Hennepin County Board approved a consulting firm to start design work.  The Board wants to scrap the bridge and start anew.

Re-construction plans were already in motion before the 35W bridge collapse.  The project now has become the county’s number one bonding request.

I wonder if they will demand a light rail option on it. I mean surely you have to have the option, just in case…..

Seriously though, wouldn’t this be a good East West corridor for mass transit though? Maybe they could plan on tying it into the new 35W line they have dreamnt up.

Well, if it is good for the goose, why not the gander?

Wiki

Maintained by    Hennepin County, Minnesota

Oh look, Hennepin County even gave the Lowry bridge its own website.

 The Lowry Avenue Bridge is an important transportation corridor and neighborhood connection. Hennepin County and their partners are currently studying possible designs for replacing the bridge, which will be reconstructed because of ongoing maintenance issues and increasing levels of traffic.

Remember, Sen. Klobuchar says that ‘bridges in America don’t just fall down’, so get the lead out and get that bridge replaced. STAT!!!!!!

I’ve been on this bridge, this is right by the boat repair shop I use. Heavy trucks use this bridge. If it is dangerous, shouldn’t it be closed down immediately? hey, if someone is going to be blamed for the 35W bridge, why not point fingers before it falls this time?

But no, they inspected the bridge on August 2nd. Despite the pier moving 11 inches, they say it is still safe. They’ll be monitoring the bridge and inspecting it every 4 to 6 weeks. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2009 and completed by 2011.