Troubled Winona bridge still in need of repairs, officials say

Concrete is flaking from the bridge,inspectors said.

The Associated Press

5/22/2009

WINONA, Minn.  —  A Mississippi River bridge between southeastern Minnesota and southwest Wisconsin that authorities closed for repairs last summer needs more work.

During a routine inspection, inspectors found concrete flaking from the Interstate Bridge that connects downtown Winona to Wisconsin.

Crews closed the bridge for 11 days last year when inspectors found severely corroded gusset plates. A MnDOT spokeswoman says the current problems don't pose a similar danger and that there's no need to close the bridge this time.

Crews will temporarily close a parking lot beneath the bridge on the Minnesota side as they patch up the flaking concrete. After it's fixed, inspectors will analyze the bridge deck to see if more repairs are needed.

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