Hastings bridge work progressing

Traffic was shifted to the southbound lanes so crews could begin work on the northbound side of the bridge.

Star Tribune

Last update: June 4, 2008 - 11:13 PM

Work on the Hwy. 61 bridge crossing the Mississippi River near Hastings is moving forward this week after traffic was shifted to the southbound lanes so crews could begin work on the northbound side of the bridge.

Drivers will still encounter delays because traffic remains reduced to a single lane controlled by a signal system.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation will shut down the entire bridge on June 13-15 and June 20-22 to allow crews to replace bearings.

A recommended detour is Hwy. 55 to Hwy. 52.

Most of the bridge painting and maintenance project is expected to be completed in mid-July with some intermittent lane closures possible until fall, MnDOT said.

TIM HARLOW