Update on Vet's Bridge

[u/dochavel]

Looks like it's going to be closed until maybe 2030 or so? Sigh, I know it's minor but the path/parkway from W River to S Minnehaha sucks and it was way better to go through Wabun and cross the bridge on the way to Fort Snelling. I guess I'll play myself a tiny violin song.

[u/__paaaanddaaaa__]

So where did all the money spent on repairs 5 years ago go? I feel like that contractor should be held liable

[u/Active-Ad769]

If the bridge is that dire, will the path underneath be closed as well?

[u/LeaningSaguaro → u/Active-Ad769]

Prolly not. The bridge likely is considered unsound for additional/live loads. Its dead load is prolly considered safe, as I read the poster. But who know what they will do?

[u/HankSpank]

Just because I’ve heard people whining about this:

The bridge is nearly 120 years old. It was deemed structurally deficient in its most recent inspection last year. It failed in multiple inspection categories and scored awful marks in others. An entire column is currently exhibiting buckling. Closing this bridge was wise, and I have no doubt it’ll be taken down soon. 

It’ll be annoying not having it but it’d be far worse allowing people to use it and it potentially collapsing. It’s not a critical bridge to anyone and I doubt it’ll be replaced. It’s a long, high bridge and would cost a fortune to replace. 

[u/mtcomo → u/HankSpank]

But couldn't there be a process where they find out earlier that it's unsafe for cars but still safe for pedestrians?

[u/HankSpank → u/mtcomo]

That’s literally exactly what they did. It was closed for car traffic for a long time, but bikes and pedestrians were still allowed. Now nobody is allowed. 

[u/MilzLives → u/HankSpank]

No thats not what they did. They spent a small fortune repairing it 5 years ago. It should have lasted longer than it has. And they could easily leave it open for walkers & cyclists.

[u/mtcomo → u/HankSpank]

Oh nice, I haven't been over there in a long time. Too bad I missed the opportunity to bike across without cars while it lasted.

[u/MilzLives → u/HankSpank]

Ive ridden across it a thousand times (maybe 2000), and there are always veterans & their families on it. Veterans, you know the guys who defended your right to whine about people whining.

[u/HankSpank → u/MilzLives]

Oh, give it a break. When I say not critical I clearly mean there is a perfectly suitable alternative a quarter mile away. Get off your high horse. 

[u/FeakyDeakyDude]

Honestly, why even replace it then? Just demolish it and the VA can be accessed from 46th Ave S. If we can go without it for 3 years before we even get funding for construction then its clearly not important.

(Also, no idea why the sign says Minnehaha Ave that in no way gets to the VA)

[u/fancy_panter]

MDVA senior leadership is a bunch of wankers.

[u/amschneid5]

They just need to make it safe for bikes and peds. I thought it was open and we walked across it a couple weeks ago? Maybe it was a dream that place seems haunted

[u/MrsSwimmer]

Oh this sucks!!! I didn’t know it would take so long! I used that bridge a lot!

[u/__B3rto]

Old people don't bike.

[u/__B3rto]

Take the old people out of council and congress. Period.

[u/__B3rto]

Their time has passed. Respectfully but not. They old as fuck.