The forum is open to business and ANY topic of state-wide
significance is legitimate in this forum, but I certainly expect the
focus for at least a few days to be the aftermath of the I-35W bridge
collapse.
We've had time to speculate on the causes of the collapse.
We've had time to point fingers at who we think is most responsible.
We've also had time to talk about the long term implications of the
tragedy.
I'd like to open this most recent version of MN-Politics, by asking
folks to think forward for a moment and talk about what their vision
for the future is. Specifically, I'm thinking about the rebuilding of
the I-35W bridge. I heard today, that the Department of
Transportation is already in the process of scoping out contractors
that might be equipped to help rebuild this bridge. I heard today,
that some are speculating that construction COULD begin in September
with the bridge complete by next fall (after only one year).
I think that we'll all agree, that safety and stability are of the
utmost concern for a new bridge. BUT, what about design/appearance?
What about additional functionality (light rail, bikes, or
pedestrians)? More lanes or less? Should we hurry up and get this
done as quickly as possible, or would we rather take time to really
"redesign" this bridge and make sure that we get it RIGHT (again, I'm
speaking of design)?
What is your vision for the future of the I-35W bridge???
Tim Erickson
Temporary Forum Manager