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Coleman met with city and Minnesota Department of Transportation officials just hours after crews removed bridge barricades that have blocked traffic since June 3.
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Backed by Winona City Officials, Sen. Norm Coleman talks about funding for bridge repairs Saturday in Winona's Levee Park. (photo by Katie Derus/Winona Daily News) |
Coleman defended MnDOT’s decision to close the span when inspectors found several rusted gusset plates, saying the regional economic blow the area suffered over the past 10 days was unfortunate but necessary to ensure safety.
He vowed to pursue federal funding legislation in cooperation with Democratic lawmakers that could help cover repair and replacement costs at faulty bridges.
“These issues aren’t partisan,” he said. “It’s an issue of getting things done.”
Democratic Reps. Tim Walz and Jim Oberstar, chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, made similar statements last week. Oberstar wants to introduce a $2 billion bridge-funding package, and Walz said he’ll work to change federal guidelines to reimburse Winona for shuttle expenses.
MnDOT will likely expedite a previous plan to replace the Interstate Bridge, originally scheduled for replacement in 2017, Coleman said.
Meanwhile, MnDOT is planning an Interstate Bridge repair project expected to begin next month, said Nelrae Succio, chief engineer in MnDOT’s district six, who joined Coleman at the press conference.
Officials hope to complete the repairs and open the bridge to semitrailers and other commercial traffic before the fall harvest, Coleman said.
In a brief discussion before the press conference, Winona Mayor Jerry Miller thanked Coleman for his interest in the bridge.
“I know what’s going on in Cedar Rapids (Iowa) with the flooding and loss of life, and I know that takes priority,” Miller said. “But this is important, too.”
