Politics & Government
Pieces of Collapsed I-35W Bridge Will Go to Survivors, Historians
Some pieces could be available to the public, according to the AP. Do you think that's a good idea, or in poor taste?
(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.
Who do you think should be able to have a piece of the remnants of the I-35W bridge? Should anyone be able to buy a piece, or should they only go to people directly affected by the tragedy? Tell us in the comments.
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