I-35W Saint Anthony Falls Bridge

Standing before the I-35W Saint Anthony Falls Bridge, you might be thinking about the Mississippi River flowing beneath it or the busy traffic speeding across its lanes. But did you know that this impressive structure is also known as a “concrete bridge with a story”? The story tells of a bridge, a tragic collapse, and a remarkable rebuilding. It begins with the old I-35W Mississippi River bridge, opened in 1967, a vital artery connecting the city, carrying thousands of vehicles each day. It was supposed to last for 50 years. But in 2007, during rush hour, the bridge tragically collapsed, sending shockwaves across the nation and leaving a scar in the heart of Minneapolis. Thirteen people lost their lives, and hundreds were injured. The cause? A design flaw, a thin gusset plate, unsuited for the load it was carrying. The tragedy sparked a citywide effort to rebuild. The bridge was a critical connection, needed not only for commuters but for vital truck freight. The new I-35W Saint Anthony Falls Bridge, a post-tensioned precast box girder bridge, was built using cutting-edge technology and high-strength concrete. It took less than a year and a half to build, a remarkable feat of engineering. On a crisp September morning in 2008, the I-35W Saint Anthony Falls Bridge opened to traffic. It stands today as a testament to resilience and the power of community. Its 10 lanes carry more than 168,000 vehicles each day, a bustling reminder of the city’s comeback. Look around, take in the beauty of the structure, and feel the energy of the traffic, recognizing the story it holds within its framework.