Minneapolis Bridge Collapse: What is the path to normalcy?

Julia, I don't believe those of us residing in Minneapolis will ever define normalcy in the same way as we did before the collapse. It was a shocking event that now undermines any sense of security (and of course, smugness - we can deal with whatever nature throws at us, and our infrastructure is built to take it as well) that we are now forced to confront the reality that Minnesota is the second-worst state in the country, behind California, in terms of traffic congestion. This a shameful statistic. How can our highways handle that?

I want to see light rail. I want a decent mass transit system, bike paths, carpool incentives. I want encouragement, perhaps tax incentives, for those to choose to live close to their workplaces, or telecommute. I want a gas tax.

And I want to see every bridge in the state inspected and repaired, whatever the inconvenienience that may result.

Julia,

Weren't the news organizations saying today would be the new normal until the bridge is rebuilt? I live in St. Paul and work in Eden Prairie, so the narrowing of 94 to accommodate the newly freeway-ized 280 has made my commute a bit slower. I may have to look at 494 as an alternate. Most mass transit schemes assume that outlying people need to get to one of the downtowns. I am sure that represents a significant number of folks and we should try to accommodate that. Unfortunately that will be no help to me. As my husband works in Roseville, we are not inclined to relocate westward. Nor, would improved mass transit likely help him. A lot of my friends live in the cities and commute to suburbs for work. I'd like someone to investigate how to help us. Perhaps I should be looking for a new job in the East metro?

MPR has been all over my local PBS station. It sounds like they are really trying to help people. I live in CA, so you know we have had our share of earthquake-related tragedies, but your's in MN was so horrific. I can only pray for all of you.

M M., I don't think many people would disagree with you. This being the Internet, if there are, they'll find this discussion. It was a shocking event. In the past few days I've spoken with so many people who said, "This doesn't happen here."

Best I can offer you, Barbara, is MPR's "getting along without 35W" collection available on this page. It includes
* Interactive map with live traffic information
* City of Minneapolis: Road closures and detours
* MnDOT: Road conditions and traffic
* Metro Transit: Extra park and ride buses
The "new normal" isn't as half as reassuring as the old one.

Thank you for speaking up here, Vicki

'What is the path to normalcy?'

I think that when the bridge comes in with the words 'Not Safe' that someone needs to pay attention and start the ball rolling to do something about making the bridge safer.

Do you think that's a matter of competence, or simply of good practice, Richard?