Design Error Forces Dismantling of Middle of $16-Million Bridge

A design error will force workers to take down and rebuild the center section of a partially completed $16-million bridge near downtown Minneapolis, the state Transportation Department has confirmed.

The mistake will cost up to $200,000, take three to four weeks to correct and force an overnight shutdown of interstate ramps leading to Minnesota 12, a department spokesman said.

“It’s not that uncommon on a project this size, but correcting it usually does not involve taking the steel down,” said Al Pint, state corridor manager for the Interstate 394 project.

Car-Pool, Van, Bus Traffic

The bridge will carry car-pool, van and bus traffic between 394, downtown Minneapolis and Interstate 94. Interstate 394, a freeway running west from Minneapolis to Wayzata, is scheduled to be completed in 1992. Construction began in 1984.

A state survey crew discovered the design error recently when it conducted a required steel erection inspection.

Pint said the state’s design consultant, Edwards & Kelcey of Edina, inadvertently included a rise in camber in a 30-foot section of the bridge, which is more than half a mile long. Bridge specifications called for a lowered camber, or convex curve.

Pint estimated that correcting the error could cost $100,000 to $200,000, which the state might have to help pay because it accepted the faulty design.