Repairs still needed to half of MN deficient bridges

Half the bridges rated deficient will be repaired or replaced by the end of this construction season, Minnesota's bridge inspector said.

After the collapse of the 35W bridge in 2007, 120 bridges were rated deficient, said Nancy Daubenberger, head of the Minnesota Department of Transportation bridge inspections. Lawmakers in 2008 approved spending for repairs or replacement.

"A little over $2 billion was set aside to fund these bridge projects, and at this point at the end of the 2011 construction season we should have about sixty of the 120 bridges complete," Daubenberger said.

Following the collapse, federal government requires more frequent bridge inspections, ordered them to be looked over at two-year intervals, instead of four years.