The Stone Arch Bridge on the Mississippi is reopened and teeming with spectators who have nothing much to see.
That's right, even from the nearest bridge upriver from the I-35W bridge, you can't see much of the rubble in the river. And the void left by the collapse is hardly remarkable, either, even to someone who rode and ran regularly on both river banks. The bridge was practically invisible before.
Unlike the Twin Towers, which defined the iconic New York City harbor view, the twin I-35W bridges simply framed the view. The span was designed not interfere with the view of the Mississippi. With it gone, you have a better view of the 10th Avenue Bridge behind it. It's hard to feel like anything is missing,
So go to pay respects, but don't expect to be awed.
The area was as busy with pedestrians as an art fair. Traffic was noticeably heavier , too. Some of people looking to park near the river, others exploring a new route across town. A lot of people are seeing parts of their city for the first time.
A busker took advantage of the throng or exploited the tragedy, depending on your perspective. A mother fished in her backpack to give her daughter something for the hat. They were in the minority, and he packed up soon after.
On SE 2nd Street, where I usually cut from the Stone Arch Bridge to the University and points east, the road is closed at the bridge, but the span did not collapse.
The media trucks are parked there, because it's the place outside police lines where they can get a close view of the wreckage without a helicopter. They use it for their standups.
A CNN reporter was getting ready to go on when I was there. After I snapped a few frames of her getting herself assembled, she shot me a look that said, "Thanks a lot, bozo."
I thought to myself, you can handle it. No millions of gawkers are going to see you on my blog. You use the disaster. I use you. So it goes.
