TFH 9/18: A Bridge Rises!

A little more than one year ago on August 1, 2007, the I-35W bridge across the Mississippi River in Minneapolis collapsed due to structural failure.

Today, the replacement bridge opened - more than three months ahead of schedule.

Their Finest Hour is honoring all of those who contributed to building this new bridge in under a year from the time construction started. It was paid for, but not built by government.

This bridge was built by two private construction firms - Flatiron Construction Corporation (Longmont, CO) and Manson Construction Company (Seattle, WA).

To the owners, managers, and workers of these two American firms: thank you for your dedication and determiniation in completing this vital infrastructure project. This was a great example of how when the purpose is clear, the will is strong, and the regulators, speculators, litigators, and naysayers get out of the way, there is nothing that can restrain the American Spirit of accomplishment and results generation! A finest hour indeed!

This however, can't help but point out that there's still a gaping hole in Manhattan that was the World Trade Center, and we have crumbling infrastructure all around the country...

Memo to Americans: let's get on with it - lead, follow, or get out of the way!