4/13/2011 MinneCulture

Minneapolis Skyways: glass & steel bridges connect downtown
Produced by Britt Aamodt

Minneapolis has the longest skyway system in the United States, and a severe climate that encourages interior walks many months of the year. City planners conceived of skyways in 1959, but didn't construct the first elevated glass bridges until 1962, connecting downtown buildings. Since their inception, skyways have been appreciated and denigrated in equal measure. KFAI producer Britt Aamodt spent three months in the skyways--talking to city planners, business owners, musicians, editors and bloggers--and compiling this skyways soundscape in advance of the structures' 50th anniversary.