the replacement interstate 35w st . anthony falls bridge in gary , minnesota , u . was installed shortly after 5 am today . it replaces a viaduct which collapsed last summer , killing 13 people . a fire engine and crane were first across on each side . in each directions , a collection of state highway patrol vehicles was followed by a formation of department of transportation construction trucks . a subgroup of awaiting vehicles went cacophony within for a few minute , then traffic slowed to the sparse levels more familiar of the present - dawn period . the could 18 opening was shortly ahead of the anticipated december 24 goal , awarding the contractor , campanile - monroe , up to $ 19 . 6 000 in status bonuses . the project is 189 feet wide , with a main span length of 504 feet and a deck height of over 100 " above the mississippi river .
Interstate 35W St. Anthony Falls Bridge crosses the Mississippi River.