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Posted by: Dan McGrath 3/19/2008
Failed bridge componentsThe NTSB released a fifth update of its findings on the 35W bridge collapse on March 17th. The NTSB had previously cited too-thin gusset plates as a factor in the collapse and has now pinpointed the exact plates that failed and their location in the bridge structure.
 
NTSB Chairman Mark Rosenker said in January that the gusset plates were the “critical factor” in the bridge’s collapse.
 
The NTSB is now examining archival information provided by the original design consultants to determine how and why the bridge plans called for the thin gusset plates installed in 1967.
 
Following the bridge’s collapse, a number of lawmakers immediately took the stage to decry a lack of tax revenues as the cause, and some (like Senator Steve Murphy for example) went so far as to blame the current MNDOT administration and Governor Pawlenty’s office. 

Transportation Funding, it seems had little or nothing to do with the bridge’s ultimate collapse. The bridge’s faulty design doomed it to fail from the day it was built. Despite the facts, politicians will likely continue to hearken back to the collapse of the 35W bridge as a catalyst to raise taxes for “transportation.”

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Re: Design Flaw Responsible for 35W Bridge Collapse    By Barb on 3/21/2008
I want Carol Malnou back. And we should all sue Steven Murphy for his blatant, false accusation based on his hideous, personal assumption causing wasted time and OUR MONEY while he's getting paid! Sue civilly of course. Obviously these unprofessional people of congress can't stand to work with competent, intelligent, rational members of the government. Quick to judge and getting away with it at our cost!

Re: Design Flaw Responsible for 35W Bridge Collapse    By Rand on 3/23/2008
These people never think the state has enough money. Just another knee-jerk reaction, they're all quick to point out the need to raise taxes. That's all these idiots know.

Re: Design Flaw Responsible for 35W Bridge Collapse    By chad on 3/26/2008
I think Carol Molnou should be apologized to in a public forum by the very same people whose knee jerk reaction got her dismissed from her position with the DOT. On top of that they (Steve Murphy and the like) should apologize to the taxpayers about the lies they spewed in order to push through their personal, agenda driven transportation funding bill. This is a time when taxpayers need all of the money they earn to make their own budgets work out at the end of every month. Maybe the liberals should start to tighten their own budget.

Re: Design Flaw Responsible for 35W Bridge Collapse    By John Smith on 3/26/2008
This was not design flaw, it was mere neglect from the leaders we wrongfully elected. Glad to see Molnou go!!!

Re: Design Flaw Responsible for 35W Bridge Collapse    By dan.mcgrath on 3/26/2008
Well, the NTSB says too-thin gusset plates are the critical factor. As I recall, Carol Mulnou wasn't involved with the DOT back in 1967, so I think it's safe to say she's off the hook in this instance.


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November 20, 2008
 
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