letters

THE NEW BRIDGE

Slow down, build right

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak's idea of considering light-rail options in the design of the new Interstate Hwy. 35W bridge rebuild has encountered "stiff opposition."

No evidence of opposition among the general public is presented. Our first light-rail line, planned and mostly completed in the pre-Pawlenty era, is considered wildly popular.

The only stiff opposition to considering it for the I-35W bridge seems to be from those leaders who are perhaps embarrassed and ashamed of what transpired in Minneapolis on Aug. 1, so they want the bridge rebuilt "super-fast" -- despite what the public may want and what might be best for Minnesota.

RAY OLSON, ST. PAUL

Leave off LRT

Mayor R.T. Rybak now demands that light-rail options be considered in designing the new bridge.

What a shame. It's too bad that we have to subsidize the Hiawatha line at more than $6 million per year while it loses money. Now he wants to hold up the reopening of one of the most important stretches of road in this entire state.

I think he needs to think of what is best for the state.

BOB PETERSEN, BLAINE

Plan for the future

Gov. Tim Pawlenty now says that light rail is off the table because it would take too long to rebuild the I-35W bridge. Taxpayers should know that adding light-rail provisions would save taxpayers millions on the Central Corridor project by eliminating the need to build a tunnel and upgrade the Washington Avenue Bridge. I am tired of hearing about building the bridge fast. I want it done right!

CATHY HARRISON, CIRCLE PINES

A rail convert

Mayor R.T. Rybak deserves thanks for keeping light rail at the forefront of the bridge reconstruction project.

As someone who originally felt that light rail was a waste, I've changed my tune after using it several times -- to visit the Mall of America, to get to the airport and even to get from the Warehouse District to the Metrodome for a Twins game.

I don't think the new bridge needs to have light rail from the beginning. But it should be designed to accommodate a light-rail line. This is not too much ask.