this makes me feel safe driving around in MN...

[Pierre.Suave]

http://www.startribune.com/projects/deficient_bridges.html

Click that link to see all the bridges in the state of MN that are rated the same, or worse than, the bridge that collapsed...

[raccoon]

1. Wonder what the condition of the bridges of the other states is like?

I've always perceived MN as a "progressive" state. If their bridges are bad, well....

Would the climate there be harder on bridges than in warmer and/or dryer states?

[Pierre.Suave]

2. I am sure it has an effect

Much more than a steady climate would.

[AllegroRondo]

3. Missouri just did a review of all bridges in the state

there are 4 or 5 of the same type construction as the one that collapsed, and all rated higher on their inspections than the Minnesota bridge. But they are replacing/repairing them anyway.

[kay1864]

4. This one caught my eye:

"A rating of 50 percent or less means the bridge may need to be replaced. The bridge that collapsed was rated at 50 percent"

Bridge on Minnesota 36 over St. Croix River
Located at Wisconsin state line
Year Built: 1930
Lanes on bridge: 2
Average daily traffic: 18000 trips
Bridge length: 438 feet
Sufficiency rating: 2.8


:o

[Pierre.Suave]

5. yeah,we have some bad ones here

Do you drive that one regularly?

[kay1864]

6. No, I just clicked on the article

That 2.8 rating kinda stood out.

[Pierre.Suave]

7. yeah, it does

there was a bit more info in there also about that bridge:

Minnesota 36 over the St. Croix River
Bridge Number: 4654
Year Built: 1930
Lanes on bridge: 2
Average daily traffic: 18000 trips
Bridge length: 438 feet

Last inspected: 08/2005
Deck rating: poor
Superstructure rating: serious
Substructure rating: fair
Sufficiency rating: 2.8

[LNM]

8. That one has been needing replacement for years.

The problem is that it crosses a protected river and is between Minnesota and Wisconsin so you have 2 state governments involved plus the EPA, other environmental groups, such as the Sierra Club and who knows else arguing about what type of bridge can be built.