After years of studies, hearings and controversy, a preferred route has been selected for a new Hwy. 41 bridge across the Minnesota River between Chaska and Shakopee.

But the choice for the $400 million to $600 million span, which is still more than 20 years away, is already sparking more debate.

The bridge, which would connect the new Hwy. 212 with Hwy. 169, would surround much of Chaska's downtown and could uproot portions of several mobile home parks in Carver and Scott counties.

While the selection of the so-called "C-2" route proved good news for communities such as Carver and Chanhassen, Chaska Mayor Gary Van Eyll said that the city was disappointed with the decision and that officials would be meeting with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) in January to try to figure out a compromise.

"It's going to be the whole backdrop for the whole west of our historic downtown and our athletic fields," Van Eyll said Wednesday. "We'll see if we can come up with a solution that is more palatable."

The route was one of six considered by MnDOT and the Federal Highway Administration. The agencies are authorizing a final environmental impact statement for the favored route, which would skirt downtown Chaska off of Hwy. 212.

Although the new bridge is not on MnDOT's 20-year plan, the environmental study will help federal, state and local officials preserve the right-of-way for the future.

All six options were opposed by various cities, residents or organizations. Opponents said five of the six routes would affect mobile home parks. "The C-2 corridor was the best opportunity to balance impacts among resources and secure future permitting for construction," MnDOT and the Highway Administration said.

Despite widespread agreement that the project is needed, Chaska and other communities argued over the route. Residents and city officials in each city tended to favor the routes farthest from them.

Jim Elmquist, city administrator for Carver, said his residents were concerned the western routes would harm their historic downtown. He said the city of Carver favored the route farthest east because that is where the heaviest traffic flows are now.

The selection of C-2, which will be a mile or so from Carver, will still have an impact on the city -- "the only question is what," Elmquist said.

Among the biggest concerns weighed by highway officials were the environmental impacts that the routes might have on a wildlife refuge and the Seminary Fen, a rare wetland near Chanhassen.

Van Eyll said he believes that ultimately swayed MnDOT to go with the most central route, which parallels an existing Hwy. 41 river crossing out of Chaska.

Heron Marquez Estrada • 612-673-4280