politics

Asked last month whether the collapse was an isolated incident or part of a broader problem, Minnesotans were divided, with 48 percent on each side. But in the AP poll taken Aug. 6-8, 55 percent of Americans saw a broader problem; only 42 percent thought of it as an isolated incident.

Berthiaume has been following news about inspections, and she takes comfort that "none of the bridges that I normally drive over on a regular basis were cited."

She'll probably avoid the Lafayette Bridge in St. Paul because of its low ratings, but otherwise, she's decided not to worry. "I don't want to be shaking and fearful every time I get in the car and drive over a bridge wondering 'will it collapse?'"

Jim Foti • 612-673-4491