Alt Text | Proposed 35W bridge plans are a joke

Proposed 35W bridge plans are a joke

"We're adding 2 lanes."

That was the sum total of the innovations and creative ideas the state of Minnesota could muster. Yes the first new bridge project in Minnesota spanning the Mississippi in decades is going to be a boring ass highway bridge, despite the fact that residents are clamoring for light rail options (not included), architectural beauty and creating an new icon for our state (not included), and a little patience (also not included).

I am not going to stand by, however. I have written my governor, the mayor of Minneapolis (who is championing these ideas as well), and the Minnesota Department of Transportation. I also plan on attending the public meetings at Roseville High School on Thursday night (4:30pm to 7:30pm).

If you think that our state deserves to take some time and consider some alternative bridge designs please write to you elected officials and come to the meeting tomorrow to voice your opinions.

Further Discussion (3 comments so far. Add yours)

said...

If you're going to do something, why not ask R.T. Rybak how he's going to pay for this idiotic idea? In fact, ask him how he's going to fit an LRT line into an already-congested I-35W corridor. Let's also ask him how much expansion of that corridor would cost? Specifically, ask him how much it would cost for the eminent domain taking that would be needed to widen that corridor.

For an idea to be visionary, it must first answer basic questions. Obviously, Rybak hasn't met that threshold.

Finally, aren't you tired of politicians like Mayor Rybak looking at you like you're his personal ATM whenever he wants something?

...at 11:07 AM on August 17, 2007

said...

"That was the sum total of the innovations and creative ideas the state of Minnesota could muster." - WRONG, that is what is needed to replace the bridge, quick timing and 2 lanes is 33% capacity increase in each direction.

residents are clamoring for light rail - no, politicians are clamoring for light rail. Who works in one city and lives in the other? The current bus is faster and cheaper. This is pure pork.

our state deserves to take some time and consider some alternative bridge designs - NO, we need to get the bridge back asap and not tie this thing up with alternative options. If the one lane collapsed, would you suggest the same? No, you would want it fixed asap.

This is not an opportunity, it is an obligation to us overtaxed residents who use that bridge every day.

...at 09:39 AM on August 21, 2007

said...

Yes I am sure another lane is going to serve our purposes for the next 50 years. That is really taking the long view of things. I drive from Arden Hills to Eden Prairie every day and my commute has gotten better since the bridge collapse. We should have turned 280 into a freeway and added a lane to 94 years ago.

If you don't want to be taxed move to Alabama and take in all that state has to offer. I for one want parks, creativity, art, smart kids, and yes good transit.

...at 10:41 AM on August 21, 2007

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Proposed 35W bridge plans are a joke

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