Minneapolis 35W Bridge Collapse News & Links

Posted by derickson on Aug 1st, 2007
2007
Aug 1

Updated: 1:40 A.M. CST.

Seven fatalities have been confirmed, 20 missing, 60 injured but those numbers are
expected to rise. Operations at the collapse site have been suspended
for the night but will resume in the morning. Traffic rerouting for
tomorrow is being planned and will be posted on the Minneapolis web site.

The 35W highway bridge over the Mississippi river collapsed today at 6:09 p.m., sending rush hour traffic plunging into the river. MNDoT reports only surface repairs conducted on the bridge at the time. The portion of the bridge was near the Metrodome.

Governor Tim Pawlenty says federal support is in place. Plans being constructed by Met Council to deal with traffic issues in the aftermath of the collapse. Highway 280 will be transformed into a freeway with no traffic lights.

Bridge was inspected in 2005 & 2006.

Homeland Security has announced they do not believe this disaster is due to terrorism.

HCMC PATIENT INFORMATION LINE: 612-873-3131. People wondering about loved ones should go to the Holiday Inn Metrodome, 7 Corners ballroom, KARE TV reports.

Find out how to help at RedCrossTC.org. DONATION HOTLINE: 621-460-3700.

People are urged not to use cell phones unless absolutely necessary.

Elwyn Tinklenberg, Transportation Commissioner under Governor Ventura, said on KARE TV tonight that the failure to raise the gas tax in particular, and the reduced budgets for transportation are largely to blame for the bridge’s collapse.

I’ve been saying for a while that Minnesota’s infrastructure is crumbling; tragically, that has literally happened.

The follow are links to the news sources covering the disaster:

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Touch Football

Posted by derickson on Aug 1st, 2007
2007
Aug 1

I play touch football every Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at . It’s located across the street from the Home Depot at The Quarry and right next door to the Jim Lupient Water Park.

Anyone is welcome to join us. It’s competitive but friendly and informal. We play all year ’round, 52 weeks a year, rain, snow, or shine. Just show up if you want to play.

We have an email reminder list and every week we choose the coveted Play of the Day, which I post here .

This map lists all the locations I know of where you can play touch football in the Twin Cities, either in an organized league such as , or just pickup games. If you know of a location that is not on the map, email me the details (exact address is preferable) and I’ll add it to the map.

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links for 2007-08-01

Posted by derickson on Aug 1st, 2007
2007
Aug 1

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