Bridge work on Hwy. 169 has drivers at wit's end

If the gridlock conditions that developed during Monday's morning rush hour on Hwy. 169 in Shakopee are any indication of what commuters will endure while MnDOT repairs the Bloomington Ferry Bridge, it's going to be a long long month.

But at least it will be only for a month instead of 12 weeks as one plan considered by MnDOT would have had it. By shutting down the southbound lanes for two weeks to make the fixes and followed by closures on the northbound lanes for two weeks, crews will be able to shave eight weeks of the project, said Kirsten Klein, a MnDOT spokeswoman.

That might not be any consolation to drivers who spent 30 to 40 minutes stuck in the traffic jam that developed between 6:30 and 9 a.m. and stretched from Old Shakopee Road to well beyond Canterbury Road. It also had drivers on westbound Hwy. 13 at a standstill.

"Thanks for making my Monday even better," tweeted driver Rebecca Lane. "I found fine CDs in my car from 1998. I have time to listen to 25 years of music now."

But most commuters were not joyfully singing as they sat helplessly on the highway that will be down to a single lane until the end of next month.

"1 hour spent on 169 and not yet to Bloomington Ferry Bridge. Really?" tweeted Gene Sieve. "This is the best you could do?"

Considering the bridge needs its joints repaired and fixes to the shoulders and drainage system, the answer is yes, says Klein.

A few readers asked why work can't be done 24/7 to speed things along. That would add a hefty sum to the $5.5 million being spent and bring extra noise to the area. MnDOT does have crews working extended hours to ensure the project is completed within the four-week deadline. As I mentioned in Monday's column, the contractor has incentive to meet deadlines since they pay for each day they have lanes closed.

In the meantime, Klein suggests that drivers use three alternate routes to cross the Minnesota River: Hwy. 101, Hwy. 41 and I-35W. She also said things might improve by mid week as drivers use other routes, alter their work hours or if their employer allows it to work from home.