"Who knew" that the pilings on the old bridge would need replacement after spending millions on a new deck? The approving engineer should have. Was he the same guy who was involved in the earlier mess?

Either the drivers or the unions should pay for this. Not the taxpayers. If they don't feel the pain, not accountability. No accountability, no change in behavior. Simple as that.

It is getting really tiresome hearing about design flaws on bridges. Engineering companies are paid millions to ensure that our public works projects are safe and well thought-out. Designers and engineers always shrug and say "but, this is what happens when people ask for signature designs." That is hooey. They are paid large sums of money to understand the consequences of the designs they are selling.

Its nice to see a City Employee take responsibility rather than try and pass the buck.

I'm confused. Is the $18,000 to permanently fix the problem with the 54 lamp posts or just provide the temporary fix of the 18 damaged posts?

You people sound like you've got more dollars than sense. What a boon to live in a community where money grows on trees and the standard of accountability leans toward, how much can we spend, and spend, and spend regardless of need. No wonder unions and administrators thrive here.

@davehoug an open grate bridge can be very dangerous for bicycles, and if used on the sidewalk as well, may pose accessibility issues for wheelchairs, women with high heels, and users with crutches. The metal surface may also be slippery. It is very convenient for snow removal, of course, but just not practical for today's standards.

"costing taxpayers $18,000 for what Hennepin County’s top engineer acknowledged Tuesday was a design flaw." “This is one where experience is a good teacher. Who knew? Well, we should have,” said Jim Grube, county engineer and transportation director. “I take responsibility. I signed the plan.” “You learn from your mistakes, and this is something you won’t forget,” he said. How long have these engineers been designing? Do they not read the notes from experienced engineers that have learned the lesson already? Do they not have common sense? Or, did they all miss that day of engineer school? And WE pay the cost of the lesson. ??? Where do we get these bridge builders? First the 35W Ooops, then the Hiawatha bicycle bridge that's afraid of wind. And now a bridge built for a southern climate without snow.

Underdesigned, over budget, and flashy. What is this, Minnesota? Oh yeah, right, it is Minnesota. Carry on with Lowry bridge, Twins Stadium and Light rail. Next addition to the list is Ziggy's place, a stadium that we already know what it will cost and will start construction in a few months, but we have no idea what it will look like. We build these fancy, overpriced boondoggles not because we can afford them, but because it doesn't come out of the pocket of the requester. The taxpayers won't care, right? Tomstromie - where would you find fancy lights for $300 a pop? This $18,000 is just for the 11 they took down.

Get a grip, the civil service unions here in Minnesota are weak unions. Most have no strike clauses, so they have virtually no bite whatsoever. This ain't Chicago, New York, or Philly. The driver and his union have no responsibility for the lousy design of this bridge, it is strictly the county project engineer who signed off on the plans who is culpable.