Part 3: Flying into the danger zone?
Whenever a jet lifts off southbound from Runway 4-22 at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, it roars over the Water Park of America, a 10-story complex that stands just one foot below the height limit Minnesota allows for structures built beside an airport.
There was a time when the Bloomington water park, a popular hub for family and corporate outings, could not have been built. It sits on land that was once inside an air traffic safety zone that was off limits to large, high-density development because of the risk of a jetliner crashing into it on takeoff or landing.
But the state Department of Transportation changed that three and a half years ago.
In April 2004, MnDOT Commissioner Carol Molnau decided to open up the airport's safety zones, overruling the recommendations of the agency's own experts, who had warned that such a change would be dangerous.
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Repairs to the state's worst bridge and roads are being put off year after year, sometimes for more than a decade, as the transportation agency contends with massive budget shortfalls and aging infrastructure. The collapse of the Interstate 35W bridge in August brought the problems starkly into view.
Part 2: Hwy. 14, Highway of horrors
In south-central Minnesota, many people have been hurt or killed on Hwy. 14, which has several two-lane stretches that are among the most dangerous in the state.
More from this series:
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'This bridge can't wait'
The Hastings Bridge is a stark symbol of Minnesota's crumbling infrastructure. MnDOT says the bridge is safe, but that's little comfort to the people who use it. -
Photo gallery:
The Hastings Bridge
The Hastings Bridge, which opened 57 years ago, is a stark symbol of Minnesota’s crumbling transportation infrastructure. MnDOT insists that, despite its flaws, the bridge is safe, but that’s little comfort to the people who cross it or live in its shadow. -
Where the money goes
The Minnesota Department of Transportation's most recent two-year budget was about $4.2 billion. -
Five other flawed bridges
In addition to the Hastings Bridge, Minnesota has at least five other important bridges -- three that are fracture-critical -- with serious deficiencies, MnDOT inspection records show: