Third Minnesota bridge closed

The bridge, a 67-year-old high-truss bridge in Winona, is the third to close since the state began the special inspections three months ago. The inspections are part of the state’s goal to ensure bridges are safe after the Aug. 1 I-35W collapse in Minnesota.

The closing is “precautionary,” said state transportation commissioner Tom Sorel.

The initial inspection revealed corrosion of several gusset plates. A full inspection of the bridge will take several weeks.

Gusset-plate inspections are taking place across the country, upon the recommendation of the Federal Highway Administration.

“We’re sort of in a learning process, I’ll have to admit that,” said state bridge engineer Dan Dorgan.