Bills might spare historic bridge over Mississippi from demolition

The historic Rock Island Swing Bridge, or at least the western portion of it, may not be demolished just yet.

Legislators representing northern Dakota County have introduced bills in the Minnesota Senate and House asking for a two-year moratorium on the destruction of the crumbling bridge over the Mississippi River between Dakota and Washington counties.

"We're trying to figure out if there is some way to preserve a portion of that bridge for its history and its ability to be a unique lookout point on the river," said Rep. Joe Atkins, DFL-Inver Grove Heights, author of the House bill.

Such a moratorium, if enacted, could snarl plans already approved by both counties calling for the emergency removal of the bridge after the collapse of a section on the Washington County side in November. The counties inherited the bridge as tax-forfeited property after it was closed to vehicle traffic in 1999.

The filings frustrated Dakota County commissioners, who have raised concerns about safety and liability if the 114-year-old bridge stays put as is. County engineers, referencing pictures of rusted-out girders, have recommended complete removal.

"It always comes down to crunch time, then somebody seems to want to throw an oar back in the water in the final minute," Commissioner Joseph Harris said.

Under the counties' plan, demolition of the bridge could begin by March, starting with the swing span in the river and the eastern approach in Washington County. Removal of the more desirable Dakota County spans would begin in June, unless someone stepped forward with money to refurbish them for recreational use at a price tag thought to exceed $8 million.

"We're just saying slow down," said Sen. James Metzen, DFL-South St. Paul, chief author of the Senate bill.

A National Parks Service superintendent, Paul Labovitz, said all the preservation options for the Dakota County side of the bridge, which could be an attraction as a river lookout on the Mississippi River Regional Trail, have not yet been evaluated.

"It's been there more than 100 years. What's a little more time going to hurt?" he said. "Let's be very sure about what we do here."

In addition to the National Parks Service, the city of Inver Grove Heights has expressed interest in the bridge. But neither has offered money to refurbish it.

"They just keep looking at the county as if we have money," said Commissioner Nancy Schouweiler, whose district includes the bridge.

"It's going to go down," Schouweiler said.