Closing of unsafe rural bridge to put area farmers in a bind

Last update: October 12, 2008 - 9:08 PM

ADRIAN, MINN. - A bridge in southwestern Minnesota is closing over fears it could collapse.

The bridge crosses Kanaranzi Creek northeast of Adrian, Minn.

Township officials were told of the need to close the 73-year-old bridge. The bridge was inspected two years ago and had its weight limits lowered to reduce damage caused by large vehicles.

But Nobles County Director of Public Works Stephen Schnieder says the bridge continued to deteriorate.

County Commissioner Diane Thier is upset about the timing of the closure. Thier says it's the busy harvest season and closing the bridge will force some farmers to drive 6 miles -- round trip -- out of their way.

A replacement bridge probably won't be built until next August, at the earliest.

ASSOCIATED PRESS