Minneapolis Bridge Collapses into the Mississippi

Lalanae · Post by **Lalanae** » August 1, 2007, 10:05 pm

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/08/01/bridge ... index.html

How horrifying! I have a mild phobia of large bridges. I'm sure to have nightmares about it now. So far 3 dead, but I expect there will be more.

I wonder what could possibly cause this? There were report of construction on the bridge yesterday, but how does something like this happen!

Funkmasterr · Post by **Funkmasterr** » August 1, 2007, 11:11 pm

I passed over the bridge about 5-10 minutes before this happened after work today. They have been doing construction on 4 of the 6 lanes there for the past month or so, but they were just pulling 6 inches of pavement and re-paving it over about a 2 mile stretch. Although I am no expert on the subject, I have a hard time believing that the construction had anything to do with it collapsing, I would think this kind of thing, with no outside influence (earthquake, etc) would take some time to get to this point, but I guess we'll see what they come up with.

It's terrible for the people involved and I hope not many are hurt. Beyond the initial damage (injuries/death) caused by the bridge falling, this is going to have a huge impact on the Twin Cities. A lot of industrial stuff passes down the mississippi in that area and obviously will not be able to be used until things are cleared out, but this is also one of the busiest stretches of highway in the state.

I hope everyone is alright, and if I hear anything of interest not covered in the news I'll share.

It's gonna make it even worse that a severe thunderstorm is headed right for the area right now too, it's pitch black already.

Lalanae · Post by **Lalanae** » August 1, 2007, 11:15 pm

I passed over the bridge about 5-10 minutes before this happened after work today.

OMG, how frightening to know that you just missed it!

Glad to know you are OK!

Nick · Post by **Nick** » August 2, 2007, 5:44 am

Wow it looks pretty bad. Glad to see you weren't caught up in it Funk.

Trek · Post by **Trek** » August 2, 2007, 7:01 am

I dont care for large bridges either, just south of Reno/Sparks they are trying to build the largest 'land' bridge...just because they are stupid. they have had numorous accidents and contractors pull out saying its not going to work. Of course when one pulls out another takes over because they say they can do it.

oh yeah, they are building it in one of they windiest places around, the trees grow slanted about 22 degrees in this area. I cant wait to drive on that thing.

Lynks · Post by **Lynks** » August 2, 2007, 9:51 am

Funkmasterr wrote:Although I am no expert on the subject, I have a hard time believing that the construction had anything to do with it collapsing

I'm with you on this. I don't see this happening for just repaving the road.

Post by **Sylvus** » August 2, 2007, 11:24 am

This bridge collapse was obviously planned. There should be zero doubt in anyone's mind that Bin Laden and a few terrorists were not responsible for it. Finding out who was behind it all is what we'll most likely never know although it involved members of our own government so that should always give Americans pause before accepting their word without question. As with the Kennedy assassination and Vietnam, it basically always boils down to war profiteering.

What should concern Americans (and any other nation) is how far corrupt insiders will go. If they're willing to take down a bridge in Minneapolis to get the ball rolling for war, it's not beyond reason that they'd also set off a nuclear device, use chemical, or use biological weapons somewhere in the world, including within the U.S. to keep the war (and oil) industry healthy.

Boogahz · Post by **Boogahz** » August 2, 2007, 11:51 am

Sylvus wrote:This bridge collapse was obviously planned. There should be zero doubt in anyone's mind that Bin Laden and a few terrorists were not responsible for it. Finding out who was behind it all is what we'll most likely never know although it involved members of our own government so that should always give Americans pause before accepting their word without question. As with the Kennedy assassination and Vietnam, it basically always boils down to war profiteering.

What should concern Americans (and any other nation) is how far corrupt insiders will go. If they're willing to take down a bridge in Minneapolis to get the ball rolling for war, it's not beyond reason that they'd also set off a nuclear device, use chemical, or use biological weapons somewhere in the world, including within the U.S. to keep the war (and oil) industry healthy.

Are you saying that an invasion of Green Bay is imminent?

Xatrei · Post by **Xatrei** » August 2, 2007, 12:07 pm

Sylvus wrote:This bridge collapse was obviously planned. There should be zero doubt in anyone's mind that Bin Laden and a few terrorists were not responsible for it. Finding out who was behind it all is what we'll most likely never know although it involved members of our own government so that should always give Americans pause before accepting their word without question. As with the Kennedy assassination and Vietnam, it basically always boils down to war profiteering.

What should concern Americans (and any other nation) is how far corrupt insiders will go. If they're willing to take down a bridge in Minneapolis to get the ball rolling for war, it's not beyond reason that they'd also set off a nuclear device, use chemical, or use biological weapons somewhere in the world, including within the U.S. to keep the war (and oil) industry healthy.

Watch the video of the collapse, and you'll see that it's so obviously a controlled demolition. When I first saw the video, I commented to everyone around me that it looks just like a bridge demolition I saw once. It really makes you think.

Nick · Post by **Nick** » August 2, 2007, 12:29 pm

The truth behind the conspiracy can be found on the "Loose Bridge" video that's doing the round on google atm.

miir · Post by **miir** » August 2, 2007, 12:34 pm

Go watch the Screw Loose Bridge video and shut the fuck up you morons!

Boogahz · Post by **Boogahz** » August 2, 2007, 12:35 pm

I thought it was Change Loose Bridge

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » August 2, 2007, 12:40 pm

Looks like shoddy midwest workmanship is the cause to me.

Arizona has the safest bridges in the nation according to bridges.com.

No conspiracies to be seen here! Move along!

Xatrei · Post by **Xatrei** » August 2, 2007, 12:41 pm

Winnow wrote:Looks like shoddy midwest workmanship is the cause to me.

Arizona has the safest bridges in the nation according to bridges.com.

No conspiracies to be seen here! Move along!

I just can't understand how 8-01 conspiracy deniers can be such morons.

Fash · Post by **Fash** » August 2, 2007, 12:44 pm

Marvin Bush signed a 99-year lease on the bridge just 6 weeks ago... He was seen yesterday wearing a "Pull It" t-shirt!!

miir · Post by **miir** » August 2, 2007, 1:15 pm

Winnow wrote:Looks like shoddy midwest workmanship is the cause to me.

Arizona has the safest bridges in the nation according to bridges.com.

No conspiracies to be seen here! Move along!

One thing to keep in mind is that bridges in Arizona aren't subject to the wide ranges of temperatures that are present in MN. Expansion and contraction really take their toll on these structures. In Toronto, bridges and overpasses have ongoing maintenence and repairs to offset the constant environmental damage.

Lynks · Post by **Lynks** » August 2, 2007, 1:20 pm

miir wrote:One thing to keep in mind is that bridges in Arizona aren't subject to the wide ranges of temperatures that are present in MN. Expansion and contraction really take their toll on these structures. In Toronto, bridges and overpasses have ongoing maintenence and repairs to offset the constant environmental damage.

This is what I'm thinking too. Another possibility could be the ground shifting during winter then back to normal in the summer.

Aabidano · Post by **Aabidano** » August 2, 2007, 1:24 pm

Boogahz wrote:Are you saying that an invasion of Green Bay is imminent?

It's going to be an invasion from Green Bay. Legions of cheese wielding drunkards are just over the horizon.

Wulfran · Post by **Wulfran** » August 2, 2007, 1:39 pm

Any Canadians have any recollections of that overpass collapse in Quebec a couple years ago?

One of the problems with these structures, and its not just bridges/overpasses, is that the actual rebar in the concrete of these structures is corroding away and reducing the structural integrity with very few outward signs. There are specialized engineers and teams (I've seen a number of papers on the subject published by the National Association of Corrosion Engineers) trying to come up with fixes but how do you tell how severe the problem is with something thats encased in 6-12 inches of concrete? Any fixes and even detection of the problems is expensive and there is always budgetary pressure on municipalities to be as cost effective as possible, and not fix anything before they really need to to stretch out the funding. As mentioned its exacerbated by the seasonal stresses in northerly climbs but just the repeating pounding of heavy traffic over decades (and how old is our infrastructure across much of North America? vintage 1950s-1960s), coupled with the loss of the rebar can lead to problems almost anywhere.

Boogahz · Post by **Boogahz** » August 2, 2007, 1:39 pm

Aabidano wrote:
Boogahz wrote:Are you saying that an invasion of Green Bay is imminent?
It's going to be an invasion from Green Bay. Legions of cheese wielding drunkards are just over the horizon.

Maybe Favre will be injured and finally be forced to retire!

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » August 2, 2007, 1:46 pm

Nick · Post by **Nick** » August 2, 2007, 1:58 pm

Oh yeah like 150 people were brutally blown up in Iraq today too.

Kilmoll the Sexy · Post by **Kilmoll the Sexy** » August 2, 2007, 2:28 pm

On bridges?

Boogahz · Post by **Boogahz** » August 2, 2007, 2:49 pm

Nick wrote:Oh yeah like 150 people were brutally blown up in Iraq today too.

Is it possible to be blown up in a non-brutal method?

rhyae · Post by **rhyae** » August 2, 2007, 3:31 pm

Boogahz wrote: Is it possible to be blown up in a non-brutal method?

a wafer thin mint?

lmnt9 · Post by **lmnt9** » August 2, 2007, 4:14 pm

Boogahz wrote:
Nick wrote:Oh yeah like 150 people were brutally blown up in Iraq today too.
Is it possible to be blown up in a non-brutal method?

Maybe if you had an airway from your urethra to your lungs...

lmnt9 · Post by **lmnt9** » August 2, 2007, 4:29 pm

Xatrei wrote:
Sylvus wrote:This bridge collapse was obviously planned. There should be zero doubt in anyone's mind that Bin Laden and a few terrorists were not responsible for it. Finding out who was behind it all is what we'll most likely never know although it involved members of our own government so that should always give Americans pause before accepting their word without question. As with the Kennedy assassination and Vietnam, it basically always boils down to war profiteering.

What should concern Americans (and any other nation) is how far corrupt insiders will go. If they're willing to take down a bridge in Minneapolis to get the ball rolling for war, it's not beyond reason that they'd also set off a nuclear device, use chemical, or use biological weapons somewhere in the world, including within the U.S. to keep the war (and oil) industry healthy.
Watch the video of the collapse, and you'll see that it's so obviously a controlled demolition. When I first saw the video, I commented to everyone around me that it looks just like a bridge demolition I saw once. It really makes you think.

That camera seemed fairly close to me, wouldn't the detonation of explosives cause the camera to shake... even just a little? That camera looked like it remained pretty damn still when it collapsed.

Funkmasterr · Post by **Funkmasterr** » August 2, 2007, 4:47 pm

There are two major flaws with the demolition theory (I can't believe I'm even acknowledging it):

1- If it were exploded, wouldn't you think you would see smoke and dust go up BEFORE it hit the ground?

2- Don't you think that someone would have said something to the news by now about hearing an explosion as it happened? There were enough people in the surrounding area that saw it happen..

I was glad to see how quick the response was by the government on the state and on the federal level, and hopefully this brings about some kind of action requiring very thorough inspections of bridges so that something like this doesn't happen again. However, I have a low level of confidence to begin with since 6 years ago when the bridge was last inspected they rated it a 4 on their scale of 0-9, which meant that it was teetering on needing to be rebuilt - and they decided not to (didn't want to spend the money, i'm sure.)

A guy I work with had a daughter on the school bus that was on the bridge, apparently she had some minor injuries and is fine (same with the other kids on the bus.) Another friend of mine at work knows someone that was on the bridge and is still missing.

It's just weird to me that not only did I just miss this happening when I drove on it, but I have heard a fair amount of people at work that had some very close calls with it as well. One of the people here saw it happen in their rear view mirror just after they got over the bridge.

edit: Yes, the camera more than likely would have shaken at least a bit - I think it is a traffic camera that is set on top of a pole about 30 feet tall, and none of those cameras are very far from what they are focused on.

Post by **Sylvus** » August 2, 2007, 4:51 pm

I hope no one actually thinks that any of us believe that this was demolished on purpose. I was making light of the 9/11 conspiracy theories, and I am pretty sure that most everyone else was too.

Knuckleheads.

Xatrei · Post by **Xatrei** » August 2, 2007, 4:52 pm

I can't believe any of you are dumb enough to think that anyone was being serious about the "demolition theory." We were just mocking the 911 conspiracy dolts that post here.

Funkmasterr · Post by **Funkmasterr** » August 2, 2007, 4:55 pm

I was pretty sure you guys were doing exactly that, but then it seemed like a few people were taking it serious so I threw my two cents in.

Lynks · Post by **Lynks** » August 2, 2007, 5:24 pm

Lets keep going!

I'm boycotting all bridges from the Goldengate bridge to Bo and Jeff Bridges.

Midnyte_Ragebringer · Post by **Midnyte_Ragebringer** » August 2, 2007, 5:24 pm

Typical mocking like this causes the cry wolf syndrome you want. Instead of refutting the WTC7 theories on their merit, you mock and mock and mock until people don't care any longer. It's too bad. Intellectual CE forum indeed. lol

Xatrei · Post by **Xatrei** » August 2, 2007, 5:35 pm

There's no point in trying to convince someone that's bought into the conspiracy theories that they're wrong. As I've said elsewhere, those who have accepted that line of thinking do not accept any facts that rebut their opinions because they believe that such evidence is merely part of the cover-up. All that's left to do is to mock them for their gullibility.

Boogahz · Post by **Boogahz** » August 2, 2007, 5:37 pm

I don't see Intellectual in the forum title!

Also, I was serious about the invasion of Green Bay. Someone needs to do something about Brett Favre!

Boogahz · Post by **Boogahz** » August 2, 2007, 5:38 pm

rhyae wrote:
Boogahz wrote: Is it possible to be blown up in a non-brutal method?
a wafer thin mint?

Okay, I am stuck on this...wtf are you referring to? I could swear that I have heard the reference before, but I can't place it!

Midnyte_Ragebringer · Post by **Midnyte_Ragebringer** » August 2, 2007, 5:39 pm

Xatrei wrote:There's no point in trying to convince someone that's bought into the conspiracy theories that they're wrong. As I've said elsewhere, those who have accepted that line of thinking do not accept any facts that rebut their opinions because they believe that such evidence is merely part of the cover-up. All that's left to do is to mock them for their gullibility.

Wow. Very convincing. Basically that translates into..."I have nothing interesting to say on that issue. I just blindly think you are wrong, but have nothing whatsoever to back up my feelings."

Post by **Sylvus** » August 2, 2007, 5:41 pm

Boogahz wrote:
rhyae wrote:
Boogahz wrote: Is it possible to be blown up in a non-brutal method?
a wafer thin mint?

Okay, I am stuck on this...wtf are you referring to? I could swear that I have heard the reference before, but I can't place it!

Mr. Creosote (iirc) from Monty Python's The Meaning of Life.

Boogahz · Post by **Boogahz** » August 2, 2007, 5:44 pm

Sylvus wrote:
Boogahz wrote:
rhyae wrote:
Boogahz wrote: Is it possible to be blown up in a non-brutal method?
a wafer thin mint?

Okay, I am stuck on this...wtf are you referring to? I could swear that I have heard the reference before, but I can't place it!
Mr. Creosote (iirc) from Monty Python's The Meaning of Life.

ACK, okay, that would be just as brutal!

Markulas · Post by **Markulas** » August 2, 2007, 5:46 pm

This is about a mile away from me. It seems so unreal when something like this occurs so close to home. I talked to a few people who had relatives on the bridge at a local hospital today and the sadness from them was overwhelming. One man was completely distraught over finding his daughter. This is a tragedy that no one should have to endure.

As for the bridge construction, from what I understand the construction was on repaving the deck portion and had nothing to do with the structural (or lack thereof) strength of the bridge.

Lynks · Post by **Lynks** » August 2, 2007, 5:56 pm

Midnyte_Ragebringer wrote:Intellectual CE forum indeed. lol

An intellectual CE forum doesn't have false chain emails as the subject of a thread.

Midnyte_Ragebringer · Post by **Midnyte_Ragebringer** » August 2, 2007, 5:58 pm

Lynks wrote:
Midnyte_Ragebringer wrote:Intellectual CE forum indeed. lol
An intellectual CE forum doesn't have false chain emails as the subject of a thread.

No? A good deal came out from it. We all learned something. I beg to differ.

Aslanna · Post by **Aslanna** » August 2, 2007, 6:00 pm

When I saw this title I was reminded of the Sunshine Skyway collapse. Not sure how many here are familiar with that!

Anyway, bridges are overall pretty safe. I'm sure you have a better chance of winning the lottery than having the bridge you're on collapse.

Aabidano · Post by **Aabidano** » August 2, 2007, 6:16 pm

Where was that bridge located Funk?

Funkmasterr · Post by **Funkmasterr** » August 2, 2007, 6:30 pm

If you search for "I-35W Minneapolis" on google maps it will put the marker right on the bridge (it did for me at least).

It is about a mile northeast of the metrodome in Minneapolis, or just northwest of the U of M. The bridge running along side of it in the news coverage is the 10th ave/cedar bridge.

edit: I've got an email out to cart to make sure he's ok, if anyone cares - I'll update when I hear back.

Xatrei · Post by **Xatrei** » August 2, 2007, 6:58 pm

Midnyte_Ragebringer wrote:Wow. Very convincing. Basically that translates into..."I have nothing interesting to say on that issue. I just blindly think you are wrong, but have nothing whatsoever to back up my feelings."

I do not blindly think anything. I just happen to be of the opinion that those who believe the conspiracy foolishness are beyond reason, and thus not worth expending a great deal of energy on. In spite of those feelings, I'll say this about the matter to make you feel better: Most of the WTC7-specific bullshit is the supposition of non-experts based on various out of context and incorrect bits of information. The current NIST hypothesis makes far more sense and is based on analysis of the evidence by experts, not by deranged conspiracy nuts in their basement. The investigation and research is ongoing, but a final report is expected by the end of this year. To understand that the conspiratorial nonsense that you and others have swallowed whole is pure nonsense, one need look no further than the various status reports and information issued by the NIST over the course of the last several years. The building sustained significant structural damage when the towers collapsed. Load was transferred to columns directly beneath the east penthouse. The combination of fire and structural damage caused that column to give way, which initiated the collapse of the building. All of that is irrelevant to the conspiracy crowd, though, because it's not from a source trusted by the whackos.

Again, I'm more inclined to accept the NIST's expert analysis of the evidence than the conspiratorial ravings of non-expert lunatics.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » August 2, 2007, 7:00 pm

Xatrei wrote:There's no point in trying to convince someone that's bought into the conspiracy theories that they're wrong. As I've said elsewhere, those who have accepted that line of thinking do not accept any facts that rebut their opinions because they believe that such evidence is merely part of the cover-up. All that's left to do is to mock them for their gullibility.

Huh? You sure like to generalize about conspiracy theories. How does investigating an alternate theory make one close minded or unable to consider multiple possibilities? You're out of your fucking mind on this one. These "facts" you refer to certainly aren't proof positive of anything but are to be considered along with everything else.

Perhaps you need to read more than the front page of CNN. And better yet, think a little for yourself.

Jice is out of his fucking mind (paint fumes) as well if he thinks a Delta Force Team ran up into the WTC's and set explosives in the short time between when the planes hit and the towers collapsed, but I took the time to consider it and can't completely discount it.

Care to give me your explanation of the JFK assassination? Do you know exactly what happen and why? Should I just read the official report issued by the government on that one? I'm curious. I can't wait for your golden answer that the world has been waiting for all of these years.

Funkmasterr · Post by **Funkmasterr** » August 2, 2007, 7:03 pm

Come on guys, muster up everything you've got and use it to stop yourselves from derailing the living shit out of this thread, please.

Xatrei · Post by **Xatrei** » August 2, 2007, 7:04 pm

To shift this back on track somewhat, did anyone happen to see that Chris Dodd and Chuck Hagel introduced a plan to create a new system to improve the planning and financing of infrastructure maintenance and improvement across the country? Interestingly, they introduced this a few hours before the bridge collapsed. I'm not sure I'm that keen on the specifics of their plan, but at least people were thinking about the issue before hand, and this will hopefully get us to collectively take a closer look at how we maintain the critical infrastructure of our country.

Dregor Thule · Post by **Dregor Thule** » August 3, 2007, 2:19 pm

5-10 mins? SO CLOSE DAMNIT