US bridge confirmed dead now 11

The bridge was an important link over the Mississippi river

Two more bodies have been recovered from the scene of a collapsed bridge in Minneapolis, bringing the number of confirmed dead to 11.

Navy divers are continuing to search for two people still missing after the eight-lane span bridge fell into the Mississippi river on 1 August.

The latest remains to be found were reached only after cranes hoisted heavy debris out of the way, officials said.

Talks are continuing over plans to replace the bridge, the city's busiest.

Transport chiefs have decided on a preliminary 10-lane design for a replacement for the I-35W bridge but details have still to be agreed amid concerns over funding and safety.

State officials have previously said they hope to have the bridge rebuilt by the end of 2008.

The collapse has badly affected the transport system in Minneapolis, causing commuter traffic disruption around the city.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation has said the investigation into what caused the disaster could take 18 months to complete.