A pedestrian bridge at Florida International University (FIU) is expected to open in the coming months, more than eight years after the collapse of the original structure that killed six people.
The bridge spans Southwest Eighth Street and was initially built to improve safety for students going to and from campus after multiple pedestrian incidents were reported in 2017, according to reporting from WLRN Public Media.
What Went Wrong in 2018
The original $14.2 million bridge was constructed using accelerated bridge construction methods, with the span built off-site and later installed over the roadway, WLRN Public Media reported.
It was placed on temporary supports on March 10, 2018 — just days before it collapsed.
A federal investigation later determined that the failure was caused by design errors, specifically a miscalculation of load capacity in a critical section of the structure. Cracks had been observed prior to the collapse but were not identified as a safety concern at the time, according WLRN Public Media.
Back in 2018, the university’s president said that the pedestrian crossing had been completed in the same fashion “as every other project at FIU in terms of construction” and only worked with certified contractors, according to ABC News.
What’s Different About the New Design
The new bridge, commissioned by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), reflects a shift toward more conventional construction methods.
Construction began in October 2024, with the total project cost rising to $38 million — more than double the original structure.
The new construction incorporates additional safety features including cable states, steel beams and dual pylons, according to WLRN Media.
Funding is largely through a transportation grant distributed to FDOT.
Sources: WLRN Public Media, ABC News
