Firm partly behind Zakim Bridge designed collapsed Florida bridge

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

newly installed pedestrian bridge collapsed at Florida International University in the Miami area Thursday afternoon.

>> Photos: FIU pedestrian bridge collapses in Miami

WFXT in Boston has confirmed through a company representative that FIGG Bridge Group co-designed the bridge.

FIGG also co-designed the Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge in Boston.

WFXT reached out to MassDOT for a statement:

"We have a robust inspection program for the Zakim Bridge and are fully confident in the safety of the Zakim Bridge and all Commonwealth of Massachusetts bridges, as we follow federal standards for regular inspections. While the cause of the Miami pedestrian bridge collapse is unknown, the design of this pedestrian bridge is not similar to the design of the Zakim Bridge and is unique to the project site characteristics at its location in Miami."

- Patrick Marvin, MassDOT

Vehicles are seen trapped under the collapsed pedestrian bridge that was newly built over southwest 8th street allowing people to bypass the busy street to reach Florida International University on March 15, 2018 in Miami, Florida. Reports indicate that there are an unknown number of fatalities as a result of the collapse, which crushed at least five cars. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Credit: Joe Raedle

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Credit: Joe Raedle

The TV broadcasts also showed several people being loaded onto ambulances immediately after the collapse.

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The 950-ton section of bridge was installed Saturday. The bridge's main 174-foot span was previously assembled by the side of the road while support towers were built at either end.

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