I-35W Bridge reconstruction design process involves FMR
The Mississippi River Gorge is open for boaters just in time for peak fall colors. In just two months since the I-35W Bridge collapsed into the river, most of the debris has been removed, the river and locks are open for both navigators and pleasure boats, and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is moving forward with plans for a new bridge.
Flatiron Manson Joint Venture was selected by MnDOT to design and build the new bridge. Some were surprised that the team selected had the highest bid and the longest timeframe allowed to build, and two of the losing teams entered a formal complaint about the scoring process used to select the winning team.
FMR is participating on the Visual Quality Advisory Team for the project and had some exposure to the selection process. My take is that the process was fair and it was made clear to everyone involved, says Irene Jones, FMRs outreach director. Im pleased that quality, design and the public involvement process were weighted so heavily, because thats what citizens and city officials were asking for at all the public meetings that led up to the team selection.
Now that MnDOT has a signed contract with the Flatiron-Manson team, the bridge design has been released to the public and there will be opportunities to provide input on some bridge features and enhancements. Linda Figg, CEO of Figg Bridge Engineers, is leading the bridge design and visual quality process. Figg will lead a design charette workshop later this month that will engage stakeholders in a day-long process to select bridge enhancements such as pier shape, bridge color and lighting, retaining wall material, safety railing and memorial and interpretive components. MnDOT will also be hosting several open houses so community members can view and learn about the bridge design and provide comments prior to the charette. Figgs work in the Twin Cities area also includes the Wabasha Street Bridge in Saint Paul.
Find out more
- For updates on the bridge design process, including numerous design graphics, visit the MnDOT Interstate 35W Bridge - Rebuild page.
- To see examples of other bridges designed by Figg, visit their Bridge Gallery.
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