Continuing the great track record of proper inspection and repair, a third Minnesota Bridge (fourth if you count the I-35W bridge that collapsed) across the Mississippi River has been closed.
This time it is in Winona.
So far there is no word on what will be done to the bridge (inspections are to be completed this week). It's only been determined to no longer be safe. But it reduces the number of Mississippi River crossings south the Twin Cities to three. One is in Red Wing, about 40-50 miles from the Twin Cities, another is in Wabasha, 30 miles south of Red Wing, and the final one is in La Crescent, about 60 miles south of that.
So the commuters from Wisconsin now face an extra hour of driving no matter which way they go, because Winona is half-way between Wabasha and La Crescent.
The other two bridges that are closed are the Hwy 23 bridge in St. Cloud, which is being completely replaced, and the Hwy 61 bridge in Hastings that is only closed for repairs before being replaced in 2010.
In addition, there is a bridge in Duluth that was partially closed for gusset plate repair, and I think another small bridge in northwestern Minnesota that was closed.
I should add, there's another bridge, the Lafayette Bridge in St. Paul (right next to the Xcel Energy Center), that has questions regarding its safety. In fact, when the I-35W bridge collapsed, this was the first bridge many thought may be next (or should have been first).
I'm not sure what the schedule for repair or replacement on that bridge is, but those who have driven over it know it's pretty bad, as this quote demonstrates:
"Until now, I didn't really think about that bridge," he said. "It's not as high up off the ground as some, and it doesn't seem to shake as much as others I've gone over. But it's definitely going to make me think more.
The great stewardship of Jesse Ventura and Tim Pawlenty (and Carol Molnau) is becoming quite apparent.