According to our engineers in this area, the bridge was inspected in 2005 and did not pass the inspection. It was supposed to be replaced when funds became available. The metal was too stressed from the heavy trucks and traffic. The bridge was 40 years old. Since it was the main artery to the University of Minnesota, they just did patchwork on the surface of the bridge so as not to have to close it down. Terrorism was ruled out completely because witnesses to the event heard no popping or explosion and the spread of the debree did not indicate an explosion at the breaks.

Every thing is politics. Jim Oberstar, a DFL in charge of the federal transportation committee. accused the current administration for vetoing a transportation bill. The transportation bill included funding a mass transit system which the voters don't want.

Money is a limited resource and wise decisions must be made to spend it where it will do the most good.
Love,
Vicky