Large trucks will be prohibited from blocks near Lift Bridge

Star Tribune

Last update: June 25, 2009 - 8:21 PM

Beginning today, trucks measuring more than 55 feet in length will be prohibited from driving on a two-block stretch between Stillwater's downtown and the Stillwater Lift Bridge to connect Minnesota and Wisconsin.

The restriction, which essentially bans the trucks from using the bridge, resulted from concern that large trucks trying to turn at the intersection of Chestnut and Main Streets near the bridge were creating traffic backups and safety concerns. The Minnesota Legislature enacted the law this spring.

The longer vehicles must use alternate routes, such as the Interstate 94 St. Croix crossing at Hudson, Wis., and the Hwy. 243 crossing south of Taylors Falls at Osceola, Wis.

"This is an important step in resolving some of the safety issues created by large trucks in downtown Stillwater, as well as providing relief from those trucks attempting to avoid the weight scales on I-94," said Tom Sorel, Minnesota transportation commissioner.

The Lift Bridge was built for smaller vehicles and far fewer of them during the Depression. Today it's a conduit for 18,000 vehicles a day and traffic continues to grow heavier. Officials have said the bridge is woefully undersized for the traffic it carries.

KEVIN GILES