‘Smart bridge’ replaces collapsed structure

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — The replacement span for the Minneapolis bridge which collapsed into the Mississippi River last year is now complete.

The new $234 million I-35W crossing reopens a major transportation artery in and out of Minneapolis.

According to the Associated Press, the new bridge contains 323 sensors that will detect and collect data on small structural problems before they become big ones. The technology will monitor how the bridge handles the stresses and vibration of traffic loads and Minnesota’s harsh climate and salt corrosion.

Other sensors will activate an anti-icing system and security sensors are meant to detect intruders in unauthorized areas.

Also, the new bridge is concrete instead of steel and is built with redundant systems so that if one part fails it won’t collapse, unlike the older span, which was vulnerable to structural problems anywhere on the bridge.