Updated: 10/21/2009 9:32 PM KSTP.com | Print |  Email
By: Becky Nahm

MnDOT, Park Board at Odds Over 35W Bridge

While some remnants of the 35W bridge were just returned to Minnesota, those that never left are pitting two state agencies against each other.

The National Transportation Safety Board recently returned parts of the collapsed bridge used in the federal investigation.

The pieces were stored in Virginia since the collapse in August of 2007.

Now the state is housing the metal in a Department of Transportation facility in Oakdale where victims' lawyers and engineers will be able to inspect them.

MnDOT spokesperson Kevin Gutknecht said, "Having it inside where people can look at it in relative comfort is a much better thing."

While the returned pieces sit waiting for examination, other parts of the fallen bridge rest at the Bohemian Flats park along the Mississippi River waiting to be moved.

Gutknecht said, "A number of attorneys have told us we can't move the steel without damaging it and we can't damage evidence in litigation so right now it appears we're going to need to leave it there."

That is not acceptable to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.

Park board officials said the lease the board signed with MnDot has expired and will not be renewed.

If the bridge remnants aren't moved soon, Park Board officials said they may see legal action against MnDOT to get the park back.

Park board member Nick Eoloff said, "There's really been no time frame given to us when the parts will be moved and it's a public park it should be given back to the public."

Park Board officials said MnDOT indicated it might be able to provide an updated timeline for the removal of the metal in mid-November.