Atkins 'Concerned' About Lateness of Lafayette Bridge

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) rated the condition of the existing Lafayette Bridge lower than the I-35W bridge just prior to its collapse, causing concern for State Rep. Joe Atkins (DFL-52B) and his constituency. 

In a statement to the media, Rep. Atkins said he was "concerned" that construction of the new Lafayette Bridge is already behind schedule, meaning the outdated bridge will remain in place even longer.

"Why?" Atkins asked rhetorically. "Because the steel fabricator did not start fabrication of the steel box girders on the original schedule."

Atkins said a MnDOT official confirmed for him that the Lafayette Bridge construction was delayed to the steel fabrication issue. Atkins has written to MnDOT Commissioner Tom Sorel asking him to keep the project on schedule.

In his letter, Atkins wrote:

"A lot of my constituents are concerned about the safety of the bridge. They know the Lafayette Bridge is rated lower by MnDOT than the I-35W bridge was just before it collapsed. The traffic delays caused by the construction are also causing significant inconvenience and economic losses to workers and the business community, and we obviously ought to be doing all we can to get the Lafayette Bridge (finished) as soon as possible." 

Atkins pressed for completion of the Wakota Bridge in South St. Paul while serving as Chair of the House Commerce Committee.