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Statement to the Joint Committee to Investigate the I-35W Bridge Collapse
Mn/DOT Commissioner Tom Sorel
ST. PAUL, Minn. —Chairman Murphy and Chairman Lieder, thank you for the opportunity to briefly address today’s release of the joint committee report. Mn/DOT appreciates the hard work and the good intentions that have gone into this report.
Earlier this week, a select group of Mn/DOT employees were given access to a draft of the report; so we – like you – are seeing the final document for the first time today. The limited review afforded Mn/DOT is different than the more extensive review and comment process normally afforded agencies under audit by the Office of Legislative Auditor. So, while we cannot provide substantive comment until we have thoroughly reviewed the report, there are four observations I would like to offer.
First, it must be clearly reiterated that the cause of the I-35W Bridge collapse remains unknown. The National Transportation Safety Board is the expert federal agency in this matter and they are conducting a thorough and objective investigation. The NTSB’s conclusions are due sometime near the end of this year. It would be premature to draw any conclusions regarding the cause of the I-35W tragedy prior to release of the NTSB report. I think we would all agree that we all must continue to defer to the NTSB investigation for the cause of the collapse.
Second, I want to assure this committee and the citizens of Minnesota that the bridges throughout our state are safe and sound. Mn/DOT’s inspection and maintenance of state bridges meets or exceeds federal guidelines and standards. Minnesota bridges consistently rank among the best in the nation.
As measured by 2007 federal statistics, Minnesota ranks fourth-best in the nation, and tops in the Midwest, in the low percentage of bridges rated structurally deficient or functionally obsolete, with Minnesota’s percentage nearly one-half the national average.
The February 2008 Legislative Auditor’s report noted that between 2002 and 2006, the overall structural condition of state trunk highway bridges improved, the number of structurally deficient highway bridges was reduced, and Mn/DOT met its aggressive performance targets for structures in good condition.
Furthermore, under Governor Pawlenty’s initiative, the accelerated inspection of all Mn/DOT bridges was completed in December 2007 with no major deficiencies found. And Mn/DOT is exceeding federal guidelines in our continuing efforts to conduct engineering reviews and visual inspection of gusset plates on existing truss bridges.
Minnesota’s bridge system is safe, and Mn/DOT is working hard to keep it safe.
My third point: Mn/DOT’s commitment to the safety of Minnesota bridges is a top engineering and investment priority. As was repeatedly stressed with the Gray Plant Mooty attorneys who crafted this report, addressing the condition and safety needs of our bridge system never has been - and never will be - subject to question due to budgetary concerns.
We rely on – and invest in - the expert opinions and recommendations of our bridge engineering professionals. And, as just noted, this unwavering commitment has provided Minnesota one of the best and safest bridge systems in the country.
Fourth, Mn/DOT has already embarked on actions to improve processes, policies and practices related to bridge design, maintenance and inspection. These efforts are in response to various Federal Highway Administration Technical Advisories, NTSB recommendations, the recent Legislative Auditor’s report, and internal recommendations from our bridge professionals. These multiple initiatives are outlined in a recent memo provided to the joint committee chairs. We believe these improvements will help address many of the recommendations contained in the joint committee’s report.
Chairmen and members, Mn/DOT looks forward to conducting a thorough review of this report. I intend to provide the committee a written response to the report in a timely manner. I look forward to coming back and responding to the report. I agree, we all need to work together towards a strong transportation community. That is my goal as Commissioner as well.
Again, thank you for the opportunity to address you today.
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