Bridge closing

[James Grant]

Minnesota/Wisconsin
The interstate bridge connecting Wis. with Mn. has been closed indefinately because of an inspection which found failing gusset plates. Previous inspections have found nothing, but the MN DOT has determined the bridge to be unsafe for vehicular traffic. They have also denied access for pedestrians and bicycles. This has caused unbelievable hardship for thousands of residents and businesses in both Wis. and Mn. and now they are charging us for ferry transportation across the Mississippi river, some 2 hundred yards. Right now we have to drive 120 mi. round trip to go to and from work or to get other services.
I believe that pedestrian traffic should be allowed, but if the bridge is deemed unsafe even for that, that criminal charges should be filled against the MNDOT for failure to properly inspect the bridge therefore putting the public in danger.
Any help out there?

 

[JETX]

Any help out there?

Other than CONTACT YOUR STATE LEGISLATURE.... no.

 

[justalayman]

that criminal charges should be filled against the MNDOT for failure to properly inspect the bridge therefore putting the public in danger.

You're kidding, right?

Nobody has been injured and just because they will not allow pedestrian traffic does not mean the users of the bridge were in immediate peril. Ever hear "better safe than sorry"? Maybe they have now seen these problems and fear there may be more so they prevent all use to avoid any problems.

Any help out there?

Unless you are under 25, don;t even think about wearing a Speedo when you swim to work.

Actually, I would contact my legislators and local government officials to suggest the state and/or local government pick up the tab on the ferry.

Other than that; own a boat? In the market for one? I can sell you one, cheap!!

 

[cbg]

http://www.johnweeks.com/bridges/pages/ms16.html

You recall this, right?

And now that they've decided to take whatever steps are necessary to ensure that it doesn't happen again, you have the nerve to be looking at taking legal action because of a little inconvenience?

 

[seniorjudge]

Minnesota/Wisconsin
The interstate bridge connecting Wis. with Mn. has been closed indefinately because of an inspection which found failing gusset plates. Previous inspections have found nothing, but the MN DOT has determined the bridge to be unsafe for vehicular traffic. They have also denied access for pedestrians and bicycles. This has caused unbelievable hardship for thousands of residents and businesses in both Wis. and Mn. and now they are charging us for ferry transportation across the Mississippi river, some 2 hundred yards. Right now we have to drive 120 mi. round trip to go to and from work or to get other services.
I believe that pedestrian traffic should be allowed, but if the bridge is deemed unsafe even for that, that criminal charges should be filled against the MNDOT for failure to properly inspect the bridge therefore putting the public in danger.
Any help out there?

Oh.

Brother.