Governor: No structural problems noted in most recent inspections

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) The governor says a collapsed interstate bridge in Minnesota showed no signs of structural problems in its last two inspections.

Governor Tim Pawlenty (puh-LEN'-tee) says the last two inspections by the Minnesota Department of Transportation were in 2005 and 2006. He says there were only minor details that needed attention. Another inspection was scheduled this fall.

At least seven people died when the eight-lane Interstate 35W bridge, a major Minneapolis artery, suddenly broke into huge sections and collapsed into the Mississippi River yesterday.

Construction had pinched traffic down to two lanes at the point of collapse and it was bumper-to-bumper.

The steel-arched bridge built in 1967 was about 64 feet above the river and stretched about 19-hundred feet. The arch form was chosen to avoid putting piers in the water that might interfere with river navigation.

% | save this article / add to your favorites list