The Bridge to Smart Technology

Stand beneath the new St. Anthony Falls Bridge in Minneapolis, and you can imagine the chaos on Aug. 1, 2007. Hundreds of people were stuck in rush hour traffic on that blazing hot day when, at 6 p.m., the bridge that formerly stood on the site collapsed into the Mississippi River in a matter of seconds. Scores of vehicles plunged into the water. Thirteen people died and 145 were injured.

The new bridge is no beauty. On a recent wintry day, the white 1,200-foot span looked plain and utilitarian. But this bridge is unlikely to crumple the way its predecessor did. It's packed with sensors and other electronics that constantly monitor the concrete for any weaknesses or structural damage. The St. Anthony Falls Bridge is one of the "smartest" bridges in the U.S.