Southwest 8th Street ready to reopen following FIU bridge collapse

March 23, 2018

Crews removing last of FIU bridge collapse; 100% favor building another span

With the memory of the FIU bridge collapse still fresh, road crews were working to reopen Southwest 8th Street in the city of Sweetwater on Friday.

The route, where the pedestrian span dropped on March 15, killing six, could be open for the weekend. Workers were still in the process of removing pieces of the bridge, cleaning the asphalt and making minor repairs.

“Once [the Florida DOT] gives the green light, Eighth Street will be opened,” Florida Highway Patrol spokesperson Joe Sanchez told a crowd of about 4,000 at a Town Hall Meeting.

City officials took a poll to see if the public would support the building of another bridge, and 100% said yes.

“At the appropriate time, we will be looking for options so that we can ensure the residents that safe passage is available across the Tamiami Trail,” said FIU President Mark Rosenberg.

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