Anybody who has driven on Hwy. 61 over the Mississippi River in Hastings have probably noticed that the "Big Blue" truss structure is slowly disappearing from the skyline.
Crews began dismantling it last week and the last pieces should be removed within two to three weeks, MnDOT said.
A new $130 million four-lane bridge which was built off-site and floated into place, has been put up in its place. Two lanes of traffic (one in each direction) are currently using the new structure, and all four lanes could be open by the end of the year.
Final construction won't be complete until next spring.
While the old bridge is removed, motorists will not be able to access Hwy. 61 from 3rd Street and some downtown streets are closed. Detours are posted.
Pedestrians and cyclists traveling on the city trail through downtown Hastings will be detoured along Second Street between Ramsey Street and Lock and Dam Road until construction finishes.
