Minnesota Bridge Near Dam on Verge of Collapse After Flooding

Recent heavy rain and flooding have put a 40-year-old bridge near the Rapidan Dam in Minnesota on the brink of collapsing into the Blue Earth River. The County Road 9 bridge, a vital link for rural communities, is under threat due to the rising water levels and the dam's partial failure.

Structural Integrity at Risk

The Rapidan Dam, located about 14 miles south of Mankato in Southern Minnesota, has suffered a partial failure, resulting in a house near the dam falling into the river. The structural damage has also prompted the closure of the dam store. Officials fear that the County Road 9 bridge could collapse if the weather doesn't subside to allow for necessary structural reinforcements.

Concerns for Public Safety

According to Ryan Thilges, the public works director for Blue Earth County, the bridge's piers are at risk due to the gushing water washing away the sediment that provided stability. He expressed concerns about the potential for partial or full failure of the bridge, stating that it has already been closed for public safety.

Rebuilding and Disaster Declaration

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has assured locals that if the bridge were to collapse, it would be rebuilt with the cost shared among the community. In response to the flooding, FEMA has approved a federal disaster declaration for 22 counties in Minnesota, with state funding from the Minnesota Legislature also being allocated to aid affected communities.

History of Dam and Assessment

The Rapidan Dam, constructed in 1910 for generating electricity, has been damaged by recurring flooding in recent decades. An assessment conducted in April 2023 found the dam to be in poor condition, prompting officials to consider the possibility of removing it.

The situation remains critical as authorities continue to monitor the bridge's stability and assess the ongoing risks posed by the dam's partial failure and the relentless force of nature.