Missouri Governor Blunt Directs Transportation Officials to Examine Missouri Bridges in Wake of Tragedy

August 2, 2007 -- JEFFERSON CITY – Following last night’s bridge collapse in Minnesota, Missouri Governor Matt Blunt directed transportation officials to immediately inspect all bridges of similar design in Missouri. In addition, officials at the Missouri Information Analysis Center (MIAC), a state of the art cooperative resource Blunt created, have been in contact with Minnesota officials to evaluate risks and impact to the Mississippi River and state shorelines.

“Missourians’ thoughts and prayers are with the people of Minnesota as they mourn the loss of family and friends and manage the catastrophic collapse,” said Gov. Matt Blunt. “I have asked transportation officials to immediately begin evaluating and inspecting similar bridges across the state.”

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As of this morning transportation officials have identified one Missouri bridge similar to the collapsed bridge in Minneapolis. The bridge design is called a deck truss and has not been actively used since the 1960’s. The Missouri bridge holds Highway 5 that spans the Osage Arm at the Lake of the Ozarks. The Highway 5 bridge was built in the 1930’s. Transportation officials have no reason to believe it is unsafe but will inspect the bridge today to confirm it remains safe for travel.

Also at the governor’s direction officials from the information center Blunt created, MIAC, have worked with Minnesota officials to confirm that there is no concern that debris from the bridge collapse will endanger the lower Mississippi River or Missouri’s shorelines. Lock systems in northern states are expected to capture any loose debris from the tragedy.

Source: Missouri Governor