Politics & Government

Want a Steel Keepsake from the Collapsed I-35W Bridge?

Pieces of the mangled steel will be released later in August or early September, according to the AP.

(Field Editor Caitlin Burgess wrote the original version of this post.)

Six years ago Thursday, on Aug. 1, 2007, the Interstate 35W bridge spanning the Mississippi River in Minneapolis collapsed during rush hour, killing 13 people and injuring 145 others. And soon, the State of Minnesota will release pieces of the broken bridge to those who request them.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation will begin distributing steel pieces from the collapsed bridge in late August or early September, according to the Associated Press

Survivors, historians, engineers and even legislators have shown interest in getting a piece. Rep. Ryan Winkler (D-Golden Valley/St. Louis Park) sponsored legislation authorizing the release and said he hopes to secure a piece of steel for his office. 

Beyond a few groups of recipients spelled out in the new law, MnDOT has discretion about who can have a remnant, the AP report said. Some survivors would like the pieces of history to go only to those directly affected by the collapse. MnDOT will have to make the call.

Where were you when you heard about the bridge collapse? How safe do you feel about bridges around STMA? Share your feelings in the comments section below.


Related at St. Michael Patch: 


        For updates and other information about the community, join us on Patch, Like us on Facebook and follow St. Michael Patch on Twitter.


        Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

        We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

        More from St. Michael