investigations conclude

Reports revealed that multiple parties were at fault in oversight of how much the old 35W bridge could carry.

"Investigators found that the bridge designers apparently did not calculate how much load the half-inch gusset plates could carry. The original designers of the bridge ... certified the design and handed it to MnDOT without ever determining how much weight the gusset plates could withhold. Then, MnDOT examined the designs, but not in detail. The problem slipped into the background until August 1, 2007." Read more.