EARLY STAGES OF 35W BRIDGE RECONSTRUCTION
Just one year ago today the unthinkable happened in Minneapolis. The 35W bridge over the Mississippi River collapsed taking many cars to the depths of the river with it. Disbelief showed on the faces of local residents. Emergency call operators found the messages they were hearing hard to believe. Lives were forever changed, some through loss, and others through survival.
Minnesotans showed their tenacity in this tragedy. There was no looting. There was no pillaging. Complete strangers risked their lives to help those who were trapped, some at the risk of their own lives. People from all walks of life worked side by side, the attorneys in training beside the blue collar construction guys. There was a goal: save as many as possible by doing whatever it took to get the job done. They all pitched together showing problem solving skills, cooperation, heroism, and Minnesota's ability to bounce back.
The tragedy was, and is, real, but I am proud of the way Minnesotans rallied to the cause and started the road to recovery on the day the road collapsed.
Yeah it is amazing how we can come together as one in a time of a tradgy but it is also so sad it takes one for us to help a neighbor. If we could come together everyday like that, during a tradgy, this country and world can be a better place for us all to live.
Thank you for sharing this, Bonnie. I was at Blogggers Connect in San Francisco last year when this happened, adn being there agin this year reminded me, again, of this terrible tragdy.
Jeff
Hi Bonnie...Just today, the 3rd, there was an article about one of the survivors of the bridge collapse. His name is Garrett Ebling and he was formerly from Stafford County near Fredericksubrg, Virginia.
The article mentioned a non profit Web sit, caringbridge.org, which provides free sites for people to keep updated on the medical condition of loved ones.
I am happy to see that the bridge is being reconstructed and hopefully the survivors are making a recovery also.
Kate
Kate, The website is helpful, but it's even more poignant when one knows a survivor in person. The initial survival was well applauded, but most have suffered longer term physical and emotional issues. The medical expenses alone are mind boggling for some.
As to the reconstruction, I really suspected the bridge would be completed for the Republican National Convention, but I don't think they're going to make it in time. Since the RNC is such a big deal, it wouldn't have surprised me if there were huge incentive clauses built in the contract. The work has proceeded 24/7 with flood lights assisting those working nights. Workers have been shipped in from far and yon to speed the process.
Hi Bonnie,
Happy New Year! What a tragedy! We don't want to forget about what happened but it's great that the bridge is being reconstructed!
Bonnie,
I was looking for info on this tragedy, and came upon your post. Are you still blogging in the Rain?
Mike in Tucson