Bill Directs MnDOT On Disposal of 35W Bridge Parts

ST. PAUL (AP) — Minnesota transportation officials might have to follow specific instructions from state lawmakers when disposing of parts from the collapsed Interstate 35W bridge.

A bill introduced Monday would create a disposal priority list. Internal agency discussions about the steel remnants from 2007 bridge collapse began after litigation ended last fall.

The bill would give the Minnesota Historical Society first chance to claim pieces free of charge. From there, parts would go to those survivors and others most directly by the collapse, transportation safety agencies and college engineering programs.

Agency officials say they want to be sensitive and safe when getting rid of the components, which are now in a massive storage shed.

The bill would give the state protection from any liability due to things like effects of lead-based paint.