NTSB Releases Preliminary Report Regarding FIU Bridge Collapse

The National Transportation Board of Safety (NTSB) has released a preliminary report of its survey of the collapse of the Florida International University pedestrian bridge. 

The FIU bridge collapsed on March 15th. According to the report, on March 10th, "the walkway, diagonals, and canopy of the bridge were moved into position using transporters and then lowered onto bridge piers on either side of the roadway."

Construction crew members also de-tensioned the bridge diagonal members on the north and south ends of the bridge. 

When the collapse occurred on March 15, "a construction crew was positioned on the structure working on re-tensioning the diagonals connecting the canopy and the deck at the north end of the bridge," the report explains.

"Because a crane was being used for this work, two of the three westbound lanes below the north end of the bridge were closed to traffic; however, the five eastbound lanes remained open, and eastbound traffic was not detoured."

Sen. Bill Nelson issued a statement in response to the NTSB report. Nelson says:

“While we still don’t know the ultimate cause of the bridge collapse, it’s reassuring that the NTSB is already laser-focused on the emergence of cracks on the structure. The victims’ families and the public expect nothing less than a thorough examination of this tragic event to prevent it from ever happening again.”

NTSB will continue evaluating a number of aspects related to the collapse, including the: 

  • Bridge design
  • Construction process
  • Construction material

NTSB will also evaluate the emergence of cracks in the construction material.

All aspects remain under investigation. To review the entire report, click here.


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