MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Construction crews for the Interstate 35W (St. Anthony Falls) Bridge continue their activities despite the winter weather. This week, crews are using cranes equipped with large drilling rigs to construct shafts that will support the bridge foundations.

The first shaft was filled with concrete on Dec. 4 and crews have continued to drill and fill shafts on the north side. Drilling work also began on the south side late this week. Each shaft is from seven to eight feet wide at the top and approximately 100 feet deep. The work will continue daily into February with the exception of periods when temperatures drop below minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

As shaft drilling continues through next week, nearby residents and businesses may expect the following:

• Second shifts will drill at Pier 2 (on the south bank) and Pier 3 (on the north bank) this week. Lights may be noticeable from 6 p.m. to 4:30 a.m.
  
  
• Drilling work may occur on Sundays. This will be done to take advantage of good weather and make best use of equipment.
  
  
• Crews are placing forms to build the concrete footing for the south abutment (Abutment 5) which is where the pile driving took place last month.
  
  
• Set-up work continues on the casting yard on I-35W just south of the bridge site. Workers are building casting beds that will be used to construct the pre-cast concrete segments for the bridge spans. Crews may begin pouring those segments in the last half of January.
  
  
• Ongoing deliveries of the steel shaft casings continue to both the north and south side. Other materials and equipment are arriving at the site as crews begin to ramp up for work in the coming months.

Anyone interested in getting a closer look at the weekly construction progress is encouraged to attend the Sidewalk Superintendent Talks, held Saturdays at 11 a.m. at the corner of Washington Avenue South and 19th Avenue (next to Grandma’s Saloon). News media are welcome to attend.

For more information, visit the Mn/DOT Web site at www.mndot.gov or call the project hotline at 612/236-6901.

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