I35 Bridge Opening In Mpls This Morning

[OldNuke]

Got up early, 3:30 am, and rode my GS to the northbound approach on the new I35 bridge over the Mississippi. It officially opened at 5am. I was the first vehicle in line behind the police escort vehicles and highway department trucks, making me the first civilian motor vehicle to cross the new span on the northbound side. Three other bikes, including another GS, were right behind me.:dance

Another similar procession came across on the southbound side and when the two processions met midway on the bridge everyone started honking their horns.

Here's a link to local coverage of the event-

http://wcco.com/bridgecollapse/replacement.bridge.opens.2.820209.html

[Dick]

Was that you that NPR interviewed?

[BONEY]

Was that a C.C. Meyers job? He is the shiznit in "before deadline" projects.

[KGT1200]

yahoo:scratch

All I know is the traffic on my 6:15 ride up 35W was horrendous, NOBODY watching where they were going,, more than two or three near fatal crashes in 40 miles of freeway; in short, people were nuts! I used my brights and horn twice.. Cops everywhere, pulling over anything faster than 75 MPH (Limit was 70). Normal speed on that road is 79 mph.

All I can attribute it to was the opening of the bridge. Good job, Flatiron Construction! Same builder that did I-70 in Coloradoi west of Glenwood Springs built the bridge. Now that's over, lets hope tomorrow is a bit calmer...

I think it was a great deall for Minnesota, and if you enjoyed it, more power to ya, but for me, it was a traffic packed commute I am glad is over. I am going there tomorrow night, and plan on stopping for a few seconds somewhere and giving those who died- a minute of silence, lest they be forgotton in the rush..

[OldNuke]

Was that you that NPR interviewed?

That was me.

[108625]

That's the spirit!
Kudos to all involved who dealt with this tragedy not by waiting to figure who to blame for it, but instead dedicated their efforts into rescue, recovery, and reconstruction.

Great post.
Bob

[Dick]

That was me.

You sound much more handsome on the radio :laugh