From afar, Twin Cities residents have been watching reconstruction of the I-35W bridge, which collapsed without warning Aug. 1. Now you can get a closer view: MinnPost videographers filmed a behind-the-scenes look at the construction. Guided by Kevin Gutknecht of the Minnesota Department of Transportation, the video tour explores areas not open to the public — on the north and south sides of the new bridge — and the casting yard where enormous concrete segments of the bridge are created.
 
The $234 million bridge, designed for a 100-year life span, will accommodate 10 lanes of traffic. The new bridge originally was scheduled for a Dec. 24 opening, but weekend reports indicate that construction is far ahead of schedule and, if work continues at its current pace, could be completed by mid-September.
 
For more information, check out the Minnesota Department of Transportation website, which includes live webcams, a section on frequently asked questions and weekly construction updates.