About the bridge
On Aug. 1, 2007, the I-35W bridge over the Mississippi River collapsed. MnDOT expedited an emergency design-build contract to replace the collapsed structure by the end of 2008. The project included reconstruction of I-35W from Washington Ave. to 4th St., approximately 3/4 of a mile in length. The river crossing included a 10-lane freeway (five lanes in each direction).
Residents, business and community members, representatives from the parks, preservation and arts communities, and various elected and appointed officials from local, state and federal governments voted on aspects of the bridge design including pier shape, lighting and color.
The bridge opened to traffic in fall 2008.
Awards
- I-35W bridge replacement wins America's Transportation Awards' Grand Prize (Oct. 30, 2009)
- I-35W bridge replacement named one of America’s 10 best transportation projects (Sept. 11, 2009)