DOT 79-07
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Contact: Sarah Echols
Phone: (202) 366-4570
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters Cautions States to Carefully
Consider Extra Weight Caused by Construction Projects on Bridges
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters today
cautioned states to carefully consider the additional weight placed on bridges
during construction or repair projects. Though it has not yet indicated any
definitive cause of the Minneapolis I-35W collapse, the National Transportation
Safety Board (NTSB) has indicated that the stress on the gusset plates may have
been a factor, and that one possible stress may be the weight of construction
equipment and materials on the bridge.
"Given the questions being raised by the NTSB, it is vital that states remain
mindful of the extra weight construction projects place on bridges," Secretary
Peters said.
The Secretary has pledged to quickly share with states any information learned
from the NTSB investigation. Secretary Peters added that she has directed the
Federal Highway Administration to continue to work closely with the NTSB
investigators to identify any broader design issues that need to be addressed
relating to gusset plates on the I-35W bridge.
The Secretary directed the Federal Highway Administration to issue guidance to
all state transportation agencies and bridge owners strongly advising they
ensure that the weight of construction equipment and stockpiled raw materials in
place for current or future construction work not exceed the load limit for the
bridge.