The 35W bridge collapse in downtown Minneapolis, though tragic, can hardly be compared to 911. Five unfortunate people did lose their lives but the fact is that people are killed up and down interstate 35 every day and barely get an honorable mention. Instead of making 5 families millionaires (like 911), use the money to help all of the families who lost loved ones on I35. The media in the Twin Cities has turned the whole thing into a bit of a circus. The local Twin Cities media has also, on numerous occasions, continued to bring up the fact that there are 3 similar designed bridges in the state of Minnesota. Everyone is all up in arms to fix bridges. Well how about the Stillwater, MN lift bridge? It is over 100 years old and keeps getting pushed downstream by the spring ice flow. It almost washed away in the 69 flood. They had to dynamite the ice to keep it from going down stream. Wisconsin spent millions building the hwy 64 corridor from New Richmond, WI to the St Croix River. The only piece of the puzzle missing is the new river bridge which will ultimately connect hwy 64 of WI to hwy 36 of Minnesota. So what is the hold up? The hold up is downtown Stillwater Minnesota which has fought the new river bridge for 30 years. Stillwater is obviously concerned about THE LOSS OF REVENUE from diverted traffic. Stillwater is a gorgeous town which would be much better off without a constant traffic jam (due to the lift bridge (every hour) and the Anderson Windows factory). If our government officials had any sense, they would get rid of the old dinasours like the Stillwater lift bridge first. It is time to complete the corridor and put the Stillwater bridge out of business. Its time has come and gone. If they want another cute little bridge to bring in tourists, let them build one after they complete the hwy 64 corridor.

Staff Writer - 2007-08-04