A long-awaited bridge project in the southwest metro is expected to break ground in June after receiving several approvals from Carver County commissioners.
The $59 million Southwest Reconnection Project will build a new four-lane Hwy. 101 over the Minnesota River, linking Chanhassen and Shakopee.
The project also includes a roundabout in Carver County at the existing "Y" where Hwy. 101 intersects with County Road 61, and improvements in 2015 along a 3.5-mile stretch of County Road 61 stretching east into Eden Prairie.
The new bridge will be constructed higher above the flood plain than the existing two-lane bridge, which has flooded in recent years. The county still needs to complete right-of-way acquisition of eight parcels before construction begins.
Tom Meersman
@stribmeers
