Explosives bring down Lowry Avenue bridge

Explosives have brought down the Lowry Avenue Bridge, a Minneapolis landmark since 1905.

Demolition crews imploded the bridge shortly after 9 a.m. Sunday.

The 198 pounds of explosives severed what remained of the steel trusses, dropping them into the Mississippi River. Residents heard a loud, deep, boom.

The bridge connected north Minneapolis with northeast Minneapolis, upstream of downtown. It was known for its open-slat deck that hummed with vibration as traffic passed and gave motorists a clear view of the river below.

The bridge had been closed since April 2008 when it was deemed structurally unsafe. It was removed so construction can begin on a replacement this fall.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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