FOURTH UPDATE: NTSB INVESTIGATION OF MINNESOTA BRIDGE ACCIDENT

[NTSB Press Releases <NTSBPressReleases@xxxxxxxx>]

************************************************************
                       NTSB ADVISORY
************************************************************

National Transportation Safety Board
Washington, DC 20594

October 23, 2007

************************************************************
FOURTH UPDATE:  NTSB INVESTIGATION OF MINNESOTA BRIDGE 
ACCIDENT

************************************************************
Washington, DC -- The following is an update on the National 
Transportation Safety Board's investigation of the I-35W 
bridge collapse in Minneapolis, Minnesota on August 1, 2007. 

The NTSB investigation of the I-35W bridge collapse 
continues.   Approximately 30 investigators are working on-
scene and at headquarters to determine the probable cause of 
this accident.  Minnesota Department of Transportation 
(MNDOT), the Federal Highway Administration and other 
parties continue to assist in this investigation.     

"Since the start of this accident investigation, we have 
made substantial progress, in recovery, documentation, and 
data gathering," said NTSB Chairman Mark V. Rosenker.  
"However, several of our investigators are still on-scene 
and we are in the midst of a complete and thorough analysis 
of this information." 

On Friday, October 12, NTSB investigators completed their 
work at the location of the bridge collapse and released the 
site to MNDOT.  

NTSB investigators are conducting a detailed examination of 
the failed bridge structure.  Bridge components relevant to 
the investigation are being kept at Bohemian Flats, a 
restricted, secure location south of the collapse scene.  
Principal components of particular interest will be shipped 
to the NTSB when the on-scene work is concluded.  

"As part of its investigation, Safety Board investigators 
are meeting with persons who were on the bridge at the time 
of the collapse," said Rosenker.  These individuals are 
reviewing a diagram of the I-35W Bridge that include 
vehicles and equipment in estimated pre-collapse locations 
to refine estimates of the loading of the bridge.  

"The NTSB's on-scene phase of the investigation is expected 
to conclude in late November," said Rosenker.  "However, as 
the investigation continues, investigators will visit 
Bohemian Flats for further evaluation of components from the 
bridge, if that should be necessary. " 

-30-


NTSB Media Contact:     Terry N. Williams
                        (202) 314-6100
                        williat@xxxxxxxx







************************************************************

This message is delivered to you as a free service from the 
National Transportation Safety Board.

You may unsubscribe at any time at 
http://www.ntsb.gov/registration/registration.htm   

An archive of press releases is available at 
http://www.ntsb.gov/pressrel/pressrel.htm

Current job opportunities with the NTSB are listed at 
http://www.ntsb.gov/vacancies/listing.htm

For questions/problems, contact pubinq@xxxxxxxx