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Minnesota DFL Congressman Jim Oberstar says MnDOT was right to close a bridge in St. Cloud because of safety concerns.

State transportation officials on Thursday closed the bridge that takes Highway 23 over the Mississippi River.  It has the same design as the I-35W bridge that collapsed in Minneapolis last year.

But Oberstar, who chairs the House transportation committee, said on MPR's 'Midmorning' program that the closure also underscores the need for updated standards for bridge inspections and construction.

"Yes, I think the state did the right thing but it should have been in the position to do the right thing many months ago," he said.

Oberstar says he has long heard industry resistance to changing how the nation regulates the building and inspecting of bridges, but adds more inspectors are needed at both the state and federal level.

City leaders in St. Cloud are re-routing traffic to other bridges in the city, and warning truckers that the road is closed.

Gallery

Pawlenty: 'Excellent to err on the side of caution'

Officials weigh next steps for the DeSoto Bridge

St. Cloud residents worry about bridge closure

MnDOT chief: Gusset problems lead to closing in St. Cloud

Tom Weber

Author

The DFL Congressman also says closing the bridge in St. Cloud was the right move.

Congressman Jim Oberstar criticizes the National Transportation Safety Board for not holding a public hearing on the collapse of the 1-35 W bridge.  He also talks about the safety of the nation's aircraft and why they should be inspected more.

Oberstar: Bridge closure shows need for new regulations

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