[Abigail Adams]

Interesting article here about the inspections and decisions made:

http://www.startribune.com/10204/story/1339411.html

“According to a source with knowledge of the state and federal investigations, MnDOT is focused on the east side of the northbound section of the bridge past the Washington Avenue entrance as the likely spot where the bridge first gave way.”

[toast]

I already read that. I just didn’t want to admit to reading the Trib.

Click on the graphic of the bridge halfway down the page. Very informative view of where the investigation will probably focus.

[spunkets]

"He said inspectors have long been on the lookout for metal fatigue and cracking in the bridge because it was designed before engineers learned about dangers to bridges from fatigue cracking."

Thanks for the article. The existence and practical effects and consequences of metal fatigue's been known and understood since the 30s and that was definitely so post WWII. This bridge was built in '67. They're still passing the BS about how they didn't know.

It's interesting, how in the same article, the folks that know and are responsible for spending the money, say that there was plenty to spend on fixing dangerous faults. The others say flat out in the face of that, that there was none. The fact is that the engineers didn't appreciate and know what they had in front of them and froze. IOWs, it was over their heads. MNDOT designed and built the bridge in the first place. Now they're doing a song and dance over the poor results.

I can't see a politician, rep, or rat that would turn down $s after a warning that their bridge is a jalopy that's threatening to fall in the water. The reason's are obvious. Regardless of credentials, they're inept bureaucrats frozen in the state of ignorance, confusion and indecision. I doubt many will be entertained by their song and dance. They may be taken in by it. The Gov is probably fuming and the rats are certainly over joyed that this occurred in a rep admin.