New I-35W Bridge Over Mississippi River in Minneapolis Will Open Thursday, September 18

The new I-35W bridge over the Mississippi River in Minneapolis will open at 5 a.m. on Thursday, September 18, 2008.

The new I-35W bridge replaces the bridge that collapsed on August 1, 2007. Accordining to the Minnesota Department of Transportation, this bridge carried more than 140,000 vehicles a day and the loss of the bridge is costing $400,000 per day in lost revenue, increased commuter expenses and burden on surrounding roads.

"I-35W in Minneapolis is a major transportation artery for the Twin Cities and entire state. Each day this bridge has been closed it has cost road users more than $400,000." Commissioner Sorel said. "Area residents, business owners, motorists, workers and countless others have been affected by this corridor's closure. The opening of this bridge reconnects our community."

Construction on the new I-35W Bridge began on November 1, 2007, and crews have worked around the clock since then. The project has employed extensive safety and quality inspection programs to ensure that the finished bridge will be high quality, safe and last for at least 100 years.