MnDot to close Stillwater Lift Bridge

Stillwater bridge
The Stillwater Lift Bridge.
MPR file photo

State transportation department officials say the Stillwater Lift Bridge will close to traffic starting at 9 a.m. today.

The historic bridge, over the St. Croix River, was damaged last week when a lumber delivery truck got stuck between the deck of the bridge and its girders.

MnDOT spokesman, Kent Barnard, said crews will MAKE necessary repairs while it's closed. But, he said drivers will get a short reprieve when the bridge will reopen, temporarily, next Wednesday.

"Then MnDOT plans to reopen the bridge during Stillwater's annual Lumberjack Days. And once Lumberjack Days is completed on Sunday, the 27th, we will close the bridge again on Monday, July 28th," Barnard said.

MnDOT says repairs are expected to be completed in early August. During the closures, traffic will be detoured south to the I-94 bridge at Hudson, Wisconsin.

The bridge's lift span will remain operational during repairs so boats can pass underneath.

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