With news Tuesday that northbound and southbound traffic across the Bloomington Ferry Bridge would be switched back to their respective lanes in time for today's rush hour, many commuters expressed their disappointment and dismay when they found the head-to-head single lane traffic configuration still in place.
The Drive got a few e-mails from frustrated commuters who were hoping to see progress and maybe get some relief from the project that has had drivers at wits end for nearly a month.
Dave Kaiser, who drove over the bridge just before 6 a.m. Wednesday, said everything "looks the same as it did last night. Did see some work starting on signs. But also stuff scattered on the closed bridge. Frustrating project for those of us south of the river."
MnDOT also got its share of angry calls and e-mails, said spokeswoman Kirsten Klein. But she said, drivers should see lanes opening sometime today, possibly as early as this afternoon. Remember, the project was scheduled to last through Friday, so the lanes will be open early, just not as soon as we'd like.
The northbound lanes will be the first to open. Southbound lanes will follow, but that might take until Thursday, Klein said. Those lanes will open once clean up is complete and new lane markings are put down.
When the northbound lanes open, the following ramps will, too:
- Pioneer Trail
- Old Shakopee Road
- Hwy 101
- County Road 21
Hang in there folks. The end really is near.
