A 14-year-old boy was struck by a car and seriously injured while walking in the center lane of the Wakota Bridge on New Year's Eve, the State Patrol said.

Eric Poe of Inver Grove Heights was taken to a hospital with serious injuries after being hit by a car driven by a 22-year-old Cottage Grove woman, according to the State Patrol. It is not known whether the driver was injured.

State Patrol Lt. Eric Roeske said Thursday that Poe remained hospitalized. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

The incident occurred just after 11 p.m. on a stretch of Interstate 494 that runs over the bridge, which connects Newport and South St. Paul.

The State Patrol gave no information as to why Poe was walking on the freeway and would not say whether alcohol was involved.

Libor Jany • 651-925-5033 Twitter:@StribJany