Miami Pedestrian Bridge Collapses

A pedestrian bridge on the Florida International University (FIU) Modesto Madique campus has collapsed, causing multiple injuries and at least six casualties. According to the Miami Herald, the 950-ton concrete bridge was installed last week (on March 10) and had not yet been opened to the public, but it fell onto pedestrians and cars that were traveling on the multilane highway underneath.

The FIU-Sweetwater UniversityCity Bridge was planned to create a safe crossing from the university's campus to the city of Sweetwater, Fla., "where the university estimates 4,000 of its students live," says the Herald.

In 2016, FIU announced that the project would be headed by architecture firm MCM, in partnership with FIGG Bridge Engineers. In the same release, the university stated that "a 175-foot section of the overall 320-foot-long bridge will be prefabricated adjacent to Southwest 8th Street on MMC and then moved into position in a single night so as to minimize traffic disruption to Southwest 8th Street." The bridge was scheduled to open to the public in 2019.

A March 10 release that was posted on the university website touted the structure as a one-of-a-kind pedestrian bridge due to its innovative production and installation methods. "The FIU-Sweetwater UniversityCity Bridge is the largest pedestrian bridge moved via Self-Propelled Modular Transportation in U.S. history. It is also the first in the world to be constructed entirely of self-cleaning concrete," said the release. "When exposed to sunlight, the titanium dioxide in the concrete captures pollutants and turns it bright white, reducing maintenance costs."

In a statement, the university said: "We are shocked and saddened about the tragic events unfolding at the FIU-Sweetwater pedestrian bridge. At this time we are still involved in rescue efforts and gathering information. We are working closely with authorities and first responders on the scene. We will share updates as we have them."