It's amazing what determination will do.
Today, the new I-35W bridge opens in Minneapolis. Just a little over a year after the horrific collapse of the original bridge. Get this - they built a bridge ON budget and 3 MONTHS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE. THAT, my friends, is impressive. And it's a "smart" bridge. It has a bunch of sensors built into to it that will give valuable information regarding what weather and weight and age do to a bridge, and will give engineers ideas in how to build a better bridge!
I was on my way to a suburb of Minneapolis that night (I lived about two hours from there) to meet my mom for dinner. My ex called and said to be careful, there was a bridge out somewhere in the cities. I was surprised, because it wasn't raining, but I just assumed that's what he meant. I then tried to call my mom, but couldn't get through. I had JUST been switched over to a new cell phone carrier that day, and was so frustrated because I couldn't get a call to go through. I blamed the cell phone company until later realizing that all the systems were completely over loaded. I met my mom finally, and the whole restaurant was gathered at the bar, watching tv. I was panicked, as I have several friends who work downtown and use that bridge daily. I myself used that bridge 2 times a day for 3 years. My heart stayed in my throat until I finally heard from all of them.
But my heart went out to those that were lost and their families. What an incredible tragedy. But what amazing stories of heroism, including this young man who goes to the same college I went to. Doesn't it put a lot of faith in humanity back in your heart when you hear about people who just do what needs to be done in the face of tragedy? I often wonder, if faced with something like that, what would I do?
So... today I celebrate with my former-state friends... life will be a LOT easier now... commutes will be shorter now... but we'll never forget those who were lost on that day.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
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22 comments:
Isn't that just so amazing!! I mean on budget and done early. What a template for others to follow!!
That is amazing that it is already open! Incredible. Lot's of incredible stories. It is a shame that it takes a tradegy for people to be humane to each other but it is frustrating that in the worst of times, you can count on people.
I remember when that happened and often think of it when I cross big bridges. Stay safe!
AMEN!
We here in Minnesota are very greatful to have the bridge back open.
Thoughts and Prayers for all of those involved during that tragic day!!
- Jennifer
I'mm happy that your commute will be easier now. That was a sad day, and I don't even live there, but I was glues to the TV watching.
ps I added your presidential badge.
Wow, I can't believe it's been a year! I had a friend traveling back from MN when that day, and had she not had a last minute change of plans she would have been on it when it went. My heart still goes out to all of the family members.
So glad they were able to rebuild it that quickly!
WOW I just left there this morning! I had no idea...
So glad that they reopened the bridge. I too remember when it happened. I couldn't peel myself from the tv, it was such a terrible thing to see. And my heart was aching for all of those families involved.
(thanks for the b-day wishes)
I remember that day. So tragic. I always wondered too about the rebuild of that bridge. Now it's smart! That's so cool. Hopefully it's the first step in making sure something like that never happens again!
In the face of tragedy there is always triumph. If only we heard more or the Matthew Millers of the world.
Bravo, hooray for underbudget and on time!!
I will never forget that day.
"In the face of tragedy there is always triumph." Hear, hear!
That is SERIOUSLY amazing that they did it on budget and ahead of time. TN DOT could learn a thing or two from MN.
My heart goes out to those families who lost loved ones that day. Glad to hear that your friends were safe.
I recall seeing this on the news as well. I can't imagine what these people went through. I was never afraid of bridges as a child but now I notice I seem to hold my breath a little til I'm safe on the other side. Can't imagine why.
What a beautiful post!
Well, I've been on a field trip all day. I suppose I should turn on the TV and get a glimpse of this sigh of relief! One of our friends has been working some LOOOONG days as one of the civil engineers on this project. He and his wife are headed out on vacation as we speak.
The bridge is less than a mile from my husband's office, but thankfully he worked from home that day (wouldn't have crossed it anyway), and no one from the office was involved. Our family was together celebrating my nephew's birthday. Lee works for one of those phone companies that blocked your call, and he worked most of the night shifting coverage over to some of the detour routes. Thankfully I knew of no one who was directly affected. Oh, the miracle that SO FEW lives were lost compared to the traffic that would usually be on that bridge at that time!!!
If one city can do it, then they all can! There is hope for improvements on roads, bridges, etc.
That whole bridge collapse did nothing for my fear of bridges. It was truly awful. So glad that they have the new bridge finished.
That was such a terrible tragedy, but I am glad they have a new, safe, smart bridge!
Yeah, I just read about this online today. I remember when that happened and was amazed that the number of fatalities was so low. Incredible that the project is finished and under budget.
Thanks for stopping by my blog on the BATW flight to New Zealand. Glad you enjoyed the visit.
I loved this post. Such a memory but what an achievement. A testament that they tried hard to get it right this time.
I remember exactly where I was when this happened...I was with Paula Deen in the ATL airport! Right before we left to catch our flight, after "hanging out" with her for half an hour, she told us to be sure and watch Larry King Live later on in the evening...she had taped thet show a couple of days earlier and it was to air that night. Half an hour later we heard the news, while on the plane...and there was no Paula on Larry King that night. We were glued to our hotel room television for hours.
There are still real heroes in this world...I'm so thankful for folks like Matthew Miller!
Thanks for commenting on my blog yesterday :) I totally remember this day, I have many friends that live there and I was so worried until I heard from all of them.
WOW! They did put that new bridge up quickly. I know they shut down some bridges in MO after that happened.....they are SLOWLY working on them. Hope they can learn from that new bridge so something like that never happens again!
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