More possible fallout from Minnesota bridge collapse

Lt. Governor David Dewhurst told TxDOT officials in a letter to issue a report by Aug. 17 delineating "more details about the structurally deficient bridges in Texas, including the number and locations all structurally deficient bridges, the status of their maintenance contracts and their anticipated day for repair."

TxDOT engineers have already begun inspecting the State Highway 71 Bridge over the Pedernales River in response to a Federal Highway Administration request to inspect all steel deck truss bridges.

"Even though we don't know what caused [Minnesota's] collapse, we want states to immediately and thoroughly examine all similar spans out of an abundance of caution," said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters. She also urged states to carefully consider the additional weight placed on bridges during construction or repair projects.

"It is vital that states remain mindful of the extra weight construction projects place on bridges," Peters said.

The SH 71 Bridge is one of 16 Texas bridges similar in design to Minnesota's Interstate 35W Bridge that collapsed. TxDOT is also following through on a federal requirement to inspect all bridges every two years.