NTSB INVESTIGATION
Who is conducting the investigation? When will we know what happened?
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is conducting a thorough investigation of the bridge collapse. It will take some time, but we are confident that their report will explain what happened and how something like this can be prevented in the future. At this time, it is not known when the investigation will be completed, but we know the NTSB is acting with urgency, and we will provide updates as we have more information and as permitted by the NTSB.
What is FIU’s role in the NTSB investigation?
FIU is committed to transparency and accountability, and we are cooperating and assisting authorities fully in the effort to understand what happened. The NTSB has now designated Florida International University as a party to the investigation. As a result, we are limited in what information we can share and discuss about the project publicly. Likewise, public records related to the subject matter of the ongoing NTSB investigation that have been requested have been determined to be subject to the restrictions of 49 C.F.R § 831.13 (Federal law), and cannot be released at this time.
For more information on the NTSB’s investigative process and the party system the NTSB uses, please visit https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/process/Pages/default.aspx.
Can FIU share any updates regarding the investigation?
The NTSB’s investigation is ongoing. As a party to the investigation, FIU is limited in what it can share, and the NTSB controls the dissemination of certain information related to the investigation. We will provide additional updates as appropriate and as permitted by the NTSB. Investigative update: 8/09/2018
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
What is the FIU community doing to commemorate those who were lost in the tragedy?
We are heartbroken over the collapse of the pedestrian bridge on Southwest 8th Street and the resulting devastation. We grieve for the victims and send our deepest condolences to the all those affected and their families. They are in our thoughts and prayers.
The days and weeks to come will be difficult, and we have come together as a community to mourn, show the victims’ families our support and start on the path toward healing. The week after the collapse, we observed a moment of silence, hosted a blood drive for those still in the hospital and held a vigil to remember the victims. We will continue to keep the victims and their families in our thoughts and prayers, and we will provide more updates as appropriate.
What counseling services are available for students, faculty, staff and the community?
We have counseling resources available for students, faculty, staff and the community. Students who feel affected by this tragedy should reach out to Counseling and Psychological Services, 305-348-2277, or visit the Student Health Center, Room 270. Faculty and staff can reach out via the Office of Employee Assistance, 305-348-2469, or email at oea@fiu.edu to schedule an appointment.
The FIU Center for Children and Families is offering free individual consultations for any families with children who may have been affected by the bridge collapse. Call 305-348-0477 to schedule an appointment.
FIU Health is also offering free mental health and counseling services for students, faculty, staff and members of the community who feel affected by this tragedy. Services are being provided at the Faculty Group Practice at 885 SW 109th Ave #131, 305-348-3627. You can call ahead or walk-in.
Faculty and staff who have been directly impacted and feel the need to take time off, please notify your immediate supervisor.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE BRIDGE
Did FIU design and build the bridge?
As part of a 2013 US Department of Transportation TIGER grant, FIU awarded a Design-Build contract for the bridge through a competitive, public process. However, FIU and its affiliated entities, including the Accelerated Bridge Construction University Transportation Center (ABC-UTC), did not design or build the bridge. The bridge was designed by FIGG Bridge Engineers and built by MCM Construction. Barnhart Crane and Rigging operated the equipment that placed the bridge on its supports.
How does FIU ensure it follows all proper procedures and protocols for construction projects?
FIU has a thorough process for hiring contractors for building projects and works with all appropriate authorities to follow the legal and regulatory requirements. For this project, FIU also awarded a contract through a public competitive process to Bolton Perez and Associates to provide Construction, Engineering and Inspection services. This project also was administered as an FDOT Local Agency Program (LAP) with additional requirements. We are confident that FIU followed all proper procedures and protocols.
What is Accelerated Bridge Construction?
Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) is a construction technique that allows for the building of bridges offsite to minimize on-site construction time and reduce traffic interruptions related to the construction of the bridge. A bridge, as a whole, or in part, is constructed off-site and then installed over a short period of time. The term “accelerated” refers to the placement of the bridge and not its construction time. The total construction time in ABC is about the same, or even longer, than conventional construction methods.
This post was originally published on Friday, March 16, 2018, at 5:43 p.m. and updated on August 10, 2018
[…] Pedestrian Bridge FAQ […]
Will the garages be open on Monday?
Hi, Enrique: Please note that PG4, PG5 and PG6 are closed to cars but open for any scheduled classes, events or activities. Please avoid the area unless you have a class or are participating in an event. Please park in PG 1, 2, 3 or surface lots and walk to the garages.
I use the 137 bus to get to FIU every day, I walk from the bus stop on flagger street to the 109 and 8 street entrance. Can I still do that?
Hi, Ana: No, you can’t because all 8th Street entrances are closed.
Como ingeniero Civil de la facultad de minas de Medellin, creo que el puente se cayo por malos procedimientos constructivos. Siendo un puente peatonal atirantado de dos luces, se coloco el primer tramo el cual trabajo como simplemente apoyado, sometiendolo asi a un mayor momento en la luz simplemente apoyada que el que debe tener una vez colocadas las dos luz y los cables de atirantamiento.
Como ingeniero Civil de la Facultad de Minas de Medellin, creo que el puente se cayo por malos procedimientos constructivos. Siendo un puente peatonal atirantado de dos luces, se coloco el primer tramo el cual trabajo como simplemente apoyado, sometiendolo asi a un mayor momento en esta luz simplemente apoyada que el momento que debe tener esa luz una vez colocados los dos tramos y los cables de atirantamiento.
I believe the same
My heart to all of you, as it happened in your neighborhood. As a concrete contractor in Dallas, I have to tell you that this shouldn’t have happened. Our construction protocols in this country are by far the standard bearers for the world, and we should be able to feel safe on the roads. Stay strong and que dios los bendiga.
Will you make a new bridge there? Will it have a new design?
I am concerned about the parking. FIU has 55,000 the majority of which commute, it’s hard enough to find parking with all the garages open. How are they expecting to fit all the students in just 3 garages and a few lots? Especially when they’re closing the biggest garages.
Do you rather us die trapped in garages that may not be structurally sound after a 950 TON bridge fell down and could’ve impacted the foundations of nearby buildings like it happened in NYC with 9/11? Or do you think you can maybe find an alternate solution in the meantime while this problem gets solved considering 6 people lost their lives and several others are in the hospital? Perhaps consider car pooling, taking a Lyft or Uber, taking the bus to school or having a family member drop you off if parking will be too difficult or arriving hours early to ensure you’re not late. I was affected and lucky to be alive and this is quite selfish to ask.
Carmen, I do not think Abigail was being selfish or incentive to the fact that people lost their lives and were affected by the bridge collapse. Her concern is valid as many students do commute to campus. I drive over an hour to get there and a few of my classmates more than two hours. For us, carpooling or ridesharing is not necessarily an option. As well as the people in our lives (family) have responsibilities of their own. Nonetheless, your solutions are valid but not feasible for everyone. I am glad you are alive and cannot imagine what you may be going through.
Is it true that the team that either designed or did the construction of the bridge was a mostly diverse and female led/run team? Who are these woman if true?
Unbelievable. Please Don’t spread this kind of hate-filled gossip.
I am totally concerned about finding a parking spot and arriving at classes on time 🙁 I drop my daughter at her school at 7:30 am in order to be on time for my first class at 9:00 am and I hardly find a spot available. Please consider opening the parking garages asap. Do not affect our academic progress this way. Arriving late or even missing classes, is going to affect our grades for sure.
Consider parking across the street at Publix, Walgreens etc. People find excuses in everything to succeed. You’re lucky you’re alive and so is your daughter. Make do with what you have. Find a way or make one. Do you rather us die trapped in garages that may not be structurally sound after a 950 TON bridge fell down and could’ve impacted the foundations of nearby buildings like it happened in NYC with 9/11? Or do you think you can maybe find an alternate solution in the meantime while this problem gets solved considering 6 people lost their lives and several others are in the hospital? Perhaps consider car pooling, taking a Lyft or Uber, taking the bus to school or having a family member drop you off if parking will be too difficult or arriving hours early to ensure you’re not late. I was affected and lucky to be alive and this is quite selfish to ask.
Carmen, we get that you’re upset and pray you heal from this tragedy. However, shouldn’t angrily respond to everyone else’s valid concerns. Inquiring about parking does not mean they are insensitive to what happened. They are looking for the school to provide alternatives, maybe they did not know of all other options as they are commuting and may be unfamiliar with the overall area. Anyway, the garages are open now and so is 8th street but I was your conment and thought it had to be addressed, I hope you recover.
My wife works at the OE building and I drive my wife to work everyday drop and pick her up from the handicap small lot next to the greenhouse and SERC . Is that road access available?
Dear Mr. Forlong: Thanks for your email. A representative from FIU Parking and Transportation told us, “We understand the road WILL be accessible — campus circle will be open which leads into the area referred.” Hope this helps.
If FIU really is an “international” university then the following FIU personnel should be arrested and be suspended from their jobs at FIU under the authority of a new and genuinely “international” board of trustees which I recommend is required now to re-establish the proper management of the university.
Arrest and suspend from the FIU
* Mark B. Rosenberg
* Kenneth Jessell
* Atorod Azizinamini
(There may be other names to add to that list in due course)
The FIU Board of Trustees as of 03/16/2018 should all be summarily dismissed as having failed in their duty of trust to the people and to the international community.
Peter Dow,
Science and Politics
Aberdeen, Scotland
Mr Dow, (or is it Ivan Russkie?)
I am very pleased that you breathe some other countries air, and not ours.
Stay there.
The International in the name of the University stands for been one of the first Universities in Florida that welcome International Students, this was done in 1972, has nothing to do with International Organizations, if I am wrong please someone correct me. FIU has serve this community well and have made possible for many students to make their dreams possible. Please do not trash the leadership of this University that has done so much for this Community. Maria Class of ’77.
Since several parking garages will be closed, what additional parking locations is FIU providing for the thousands of students that drive to campus?
Please provide a response. Thank you
We just received word that ALL garages will be open tomorrow as of 6 a.m.
Does this mean that we have pedestrian access to the 8 street entrance as well?
Hi, Ana: For the best, most accurate information, I think you should either live chat a parking professional at parking.fiu.edu or call 305-348-3615. It’s my understanding that all 8th Street entrances are closed, so I am guessing it is closed to pedestrian traffic, too, but I am not the final authority on this. Parking and Transportation is.
Thank you for providing the most up-to-the-minute accurate information. #FIUSTRONG!
The question I would like to see answered in this FAQ is: How was a cable stayed bridge span expected to be in place during the construction phasing prior to the installation of the supporting cable stays?
Northern Enginer, the bridge was NOT structurally a cable stayed bridge. It was a standard truss design made to look like it was cable stayed.
Hi all,
Are there any nonprofits involved in the aftermath of this collapse; those involved in providing support for burial/funeral arrangements, counseling, or other services?
What was the ratio of votes between stakeholders?
Why didn’t someone have the common sense to stop traffic on S.W. 8 St while they were conducting a stress test?
Are they going to rebuild or replace the bridge?