Bridge Near Minnesota Dam May Collapse; Officials Say They Can Do Little to Stop It

Bridge Near Minnesota Dam May Collapse; Officials Say They Can Do Little to Stop It
Floodwater continues to carve a channel around the Rapidan Dam, near Mankato, Minn., on June 27, 2024. Mark Vancleave/AP Photo
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MINNEAPOLIS—Rushing waters from the Blue Earth River have already left a trail of debris and destruction on the edges of a southern Minnesota dam that partially failed last week, but officials acknowledged Tuesday the structure most in danger may be the bridge that looms nearby.

The County Road 9 Bridge is at risk of crumbling, and officials said they have little recourse. The threat to the bridge accelerated after a bout of heavy rain and flooding pummeled the Midwest for days. The Blue Earth River’s water levels rose dramatically and tested the structural integrity of the dam. The dam has held up, but the specter of collapse hasn’t waned.