MoDOT discovers overweight state bridges, needs more study

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- The state transportation department needs more information to determine the safety of one-third of state bridges built similarly to one that collapsed in Minnesota.

Last summer's deadly collapse of a highway bridge spanning the Mississippi River prompted the Missouri Department of Transportation to evaluate 232 bridges.

An investigation of the collapse blamed an original design error that left the bridge unable to hold the extra weight that comes with road repairs.

MoDOT's study found 156 bridges that are safe. But an additional 76 are heavier than initially planned, so the department needs more information to determine if the additional pounds could pose problems. A spokesman says the department doesn't expect to find problems.