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Disasters

Two months after the bridge collapse -- a progress report

Two months after the bridge collapse -- a progress report

The state has picked a team to design and build the new Interstate 35W bridge, but the politicians are still wrangling over how it's going to be paid for. Meanwhile, some state legislators are calling for major changes at the state Department of Transportation.
by Tom Scheck

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Wisconsin is monitoring bridges with sensor technology

Wisconsin is monitoring bridges with sensor technology

The state of Wisconsin is installing sensors on 14 major truss bridges to monitor their safety. MPR's Cathy Wurzer talks to Wisconsin bridge engineer Finn Hubbard about how the sensory technology works.
by Cathy Wurzer

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Funding request sparks new bridge kerfuffle

State transportation officials are asking a special legislative panel for the authority to spend an additional $195 million. But a key DFL lawmaker accuses the Pawlenty administration of using a backdoor maneuver to avoid a broader debate of transportation funding.
by Tim Pugmire

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Who is Flatiron Construction?

Who is Flatiron Construction?

The selection of Flatiron Construction to rebuild the I-35W bridge may seem like a surprise. The company has never built a bridge in Minnesota and its bid was more expensive and requires more time than competing bids. So, why Flatiron?
by Tom Scheck

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Boy drowns in rain-swollen creek

Heavy weather brought torrential rains, damaging winds and large hail to a broad swath of Minnesota on Thursday, and interrupted flights at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.

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How MnDOT will pick the winning bid

MnDOT is using a different process to evaluate the bids for the 35W bridge reconstruction project. Instead of simply awarding the contract to the lowest bidder, the agency says it will choose the "best value" bid.
by Cathy Wurzer

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