MINNEAPOLIS - The company that designed a pedestrian bridge that collapsed in Florida is the same company that designed the new Interstate 35W bridge in Minnesota, after the old span collapsed more than 10 years ago.
The engineering company is FIGG Bridge Group. Its new pedestrian bridge in Miami was hailed as a technological innovation before it collapsed Thursday, killing several people.
FIGG said in a statement that it's shocked by the collapse. The cause is under investigation, but authorities said Friday that cables were being tightened when it collapsed.
"We are stunned by today’s tragic collapse of a pedestrian bridge that was under construction over Southwest Eighth Street in Miami. Our deepest sympathies are with all those affected by this accident. We will fully cooperate with every appropriate authority in reviewing what happened and why. In our 40-year history, nothing like this has ever happened before. Our entire team mourns the loss of life and injuries associated with this devastating tragedy, and our prayers go out to all involved."
In 2007, the Interstate 35W bridge collapsed in Minneapolis, killing 13 people and injuring 145. After that tragedy, FIGG was selected to design the replacement bridge that is currently in use.
FIGG also designed the Wabasha Freedom Bridge in St. Paul, the Highway 43 bridge in Winona and the New Dresbach bridge between LaCrosse, Wis. and LeCrescent, Minn.
MnDOT spokesperson Kevin Gutknecht said they've had absolutely no problems with any of the bridges designed by FIGG. They say the two newest bridges, the Wabasha and Dresbach, are due for inspection next year.
The inspections were previously scheduled and there are no plans to do them sooner, he said.
"The collapse of the pedestrian bridge in Miami is an unprecedented event that occurred during construction, and all completed bridges – including those designed by FIGG or any other firm – are inspected every two years by the individual state Departments of Transportation," FIGG stated.