Gridlock News

There are several suspects currently under investigation as a result of the Minneapolis I35 bridge collapse.  Investigators are looking at:

• The weight of resurfacing equipment and materials
• The original Bridge design weight calculations
• De-icing products used for the last 10 years that may have been corrosive  or more corrosive than suspected

The computerized system sprayed potassium acetate to reduce hard-to-see ice caused by extreme cold and moisture from a nearby waterfall.

According to the Minnesota Transportation Department, the de-icing chemical is less toxic and less corrosive than sodium chloride, which had been used previously.

De-icing system examined in bridge collapse | Reuters

It could be possible that a combination of all three suspects may have played a part.  For example, if the bridge could only hold so much weight and de-icing procedures weakened key areas that happened to hold extra weight from the construction materials and equipment, it could have triggered a triple witching effect that essentially pulled the tablecloth out from underneath unsuspecting travelers causing the bridge, cars and people to scatter into the river like dinnerware at a failed magic show.

So far these are all theories, but further analysis, modeling and testing will likely tell.