August 1, 2007 is one of those days that I will never forget. The day the interstate bridge collapsed. We sat agape in front of the TV watching all the coverage of this tragic event for the next several weeks. I used to go over that bridge on my way to the office about once a week as I was working from home then. And I had crossed the bridge that very day. I remember that the head of my department at work sent out an email the next morning to those of us that travelled the bridge to ensure that we were alright. I was alright physically but I wasn’t okay emotionally for quite some time after that. I was stunned that this could happen. I read everything I could find about the people that died, others that were injured and the kind-hearted people who stopped to help. And I cried and cried off and on for weeks afterwards.
I had heard about the memorial that was being erected but never saw it until recently. My office is just down the street from the memorial and I have been taking photos of it on my not-so-daily walks for some exercise and a bit of fresh air (though today’s air was a bit “soggy” with all the humidity, but I digress again!). It’s a very moving memorial positioned atop the bluff overlooking the Mississippi River where so many vehicles and victims ended up that day nearly 7 years ago. A granite wall with names of the survivors stands behind 13 pillars, one for each of the people that died. On each pillar is a brief description of those that died, some are in their native language. On one of my walks I began to read the pillars……and I had to stop after the fifth or I would have burst into tears. I will have to go back to read the rest but perhaps only a few at a time. It’s a very nice memorial. I hope you’ll enjoy the scenic tour I’ve put together.
I happened upon this marker and until putting together this post I had no idea what the MPR Sound Point was. I googled and discovered that MPR and the city of Minneapolis put together a tour of public art in Minneapolis. Here is how the tour works, from the link to the story at MPR: “Signs posted at each artwork location direct viewers to call or text a phone number or scan a bar code with their smart phone and listen to the artist describe the artwork in detail.”
MPR Sound Point with the Stone Arch bridge in the background
Stone Arch Bridge
Just today I took this photo to capture the wording on the granite wall. I love how the pillars are reflected on the wall.
Our lives are not only defined by what happens, but by how we act in the face of it, not only by what life brings us, but by what we bring to life. Selfless efforts and compassion create enduring community out of tragic events.
I took this photo today as well in Gold Medal Park just across the street from the memorial. It seems only fitting to end with a flower in memory of the victims of the 35W bridge collapse. May this never happen again. Click here for more information about the bridge before and after its collapse.
travels with toby 
Thanks Toby. And, seven years later we still have more bridges that need repair. Some have been, but this infrastructure spending will help save lives, honor those who lost theirs, and create jobs for folks. And, Congress still twiddles its thumbs. Thanks for the remembrance.
I know, it’s sad isn’t it? there are so many issues we need to deal with, not the least among them is the “guns everywhere” issue…..
Toby, thanks for sharing. And, seven years later while we have fixed a number of bridges, we have so many to repair. This would honor those who lost lives, would save lives and would create jobs, but our Congress still fiddles while Rome burns. As we speak, they are considering moving dollars around to fund only a small portion of our infrastructure needs. We will have to wait until the next bridge collapses. Take care, BTG
Sorry. You can delete these extra comments. My computer hiccupped and I thought I lost the first one. Thanks
I kept it. you gotta love technology huh? totally understand about the hiccup ;)
nah, I think I’ll keep this comment too as it says a bit more about how you feel. and I couldn’t agree more about our idiotic congress. truly shameful :(
Won’t be the first time I am redundant, or the last.
Lol!
I remember that and I’m far across another border. I had no idea about the memorial. The last couple years in my country, bridges have been in the process of repair. This was a terrible tragedy. Thank you for sharing.
very tragic and I’m not surprised you remember it. it’s a pretty important and highly traveled bridge. not surprising considering it’s also part of an interstate freeway. one would think a collapse like this would prompt action to fix others in disrepair. alas…..there are still too many that need repair in my country. thanks for stopping by, as always.
We had an incident, can’t recall details, that bridges here are inspected on some basis. One had an okay but then someone noticed cracking or something, which was a heads up. I believe the inspector got raked over the coals or maybe that was just for the newspapers.
there must be regular inspections and if memory serves, seems the warnings were ignored. The Wiki entry that I link here says that it was found to be deficient on several reports and in 2005 replacement was recommended….things that make one go “hmmmmmmm”.
Why have inspectors if their observations or warnings are ignored. Scary, but it happens everywhere. Cutting corners appears to the latest practice.
Exactly
:-(
Did this tragedy spur action elsewhere ? I am so sorry!
I’m not completely sure about that. I would love to say yes but I kinda don’t think so as I continue to hear about structurally deficient bridges all over the country. Hopefully none of them fall down :(
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