When infrastructure fails, people can die. We saw it when the levees broke in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina. And we were reminded of it earlier this month when Minneapolis' 40-year-old I-35 West bridge crumbled into the Mississippi River.

Crucial lessons can be learned from the tragic collapse, both now and when more details are known. Rarely are there no warning signs before a disaster. The catastrophe should be a pointed reminder for Michigan lawmakers about the ongoing need for timely attention to maintenance, inspections and greater investment for repairs and construction. States and the federal government have to be committed to making bridges and roads a top priority.

Fortunately, the death toll in Minneapolis was not as high as it could have been, given it was rush hour traffic. The cause may not be known for months. The investigation needs to be thorough. Many will look to the findings for guidance on bridge building and maintenance.