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.
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Nice video.
So what was it that the MNDOT guy didn’t want us to see? At 2:20 there is a big hand in front of the lens directing the camera 180 degrees. Is there something they don’t want the public to know about?
First time I’ve seen the comment. Not very observant I guess.
I was not attempting to hide anything. We were climbing down a rather precarious ladder. When I got on the ground, I reached up and took the camera, which was still running, so that the photographer could climb down safely.
Any questions, let me know.
email is kevin.gutknecht@dot.state.mn.us