local

Work on the new I-35W Bridge ramps up significantly next week, state transportation officials said today.

Among the more visible activities for the new span, which is replacing the one that collapsed Aug. 1:

A giant crane with a 250-ton lifting capacity will be visible on the south side of the Mississippi River, where it will support drilling work. The crane will arrive in pieces on several trucks next week and be assembled on site.

Over the coming weeks, more than 100 steel I-beams will be pounded into the ground to support the footings of the bridge piers. As many as 10 beams will be driven in each day.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation said that this process "involves steel-on-steel impact and generates a significant amount of noise." Because of the noise, this work will only occur from 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Grading work will occur above the historic rock wall on the north side of the river. Second shifts may start as soon as Monday, requiring night lighting from 6 p.m. to 4:30 a.m.

Crews will use "balloon" lights that radiate down to reduce light disruptions to residents nearby. Diesel-powered loaders and dump trucks will be used for grading. Engine noise and backup alarms will be noticeable to some in the area.

MnDOT is urging the public to stay away from the bridge construction area for safety reasons. The best place to view construction activity, the agency said, is on the west side of the 10th Avenue Bridge.

For more information on the I-35W project, visit www.mndot.gov or call the I-35W Bridge Hotline at 612-236-6901.

PAUL WALSH