New bridge construction begins

Flatiron Constructors, Inc./Manson Construction has been awarded the contract to design-build of the new I-35 replacement bridge in Minneapolis. The project is officially called the St. Anthony Falls Bridge Replacement Project. FIGG Bridge Engineers is the bridge design firm on the team. The theme for the bridge outlined in the team's proposal is Arches Water, Reflection.

The new bridge will be a prestressed concrete segmental box girder bridge with two different curved pier options. The prestressed concrete segments for the 504-foot center span can be cast off-site and transported to the bridge site for placement. The bridge will be constructed with High Performance Concrete to increase its durability. It will also be a “Smart Bridge”, with embedded sensors and a comprehensive monitoring system. It is expected to open by December 24th, 2008.