News Release

Bemidji, MN. -- The Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) has re-evaluated it's decision on repairing a bridge on Trunk Highway 32 over the Wild Rice River in Norman County north of Twin Valley this summer and will instead replace the bridge, tentatively in 2008.

According to Mike Kamnikar, Mn/DOT Planning Engineer in the Bemidji office, bridge #9019 was scheduled for a letting in July this summer with work expected to start shortly after, however, after reviewing the condition of the bridge again and the criteria for bridge replacements, it was determined to replace the bridge instead. Kamnikar said, "in comparing costs, we felt the best option was to replace the bridge in 4-5 years than to just repair it." Kamnikar assures the public that the bridge is currently safe and will continue to be monitored for scouring until it can be replaced. Mn/DOT engineers are currently considering a new bridge design, hydraulic design and right-of-way costs that will be needed to accommodate a new bridge.

Interested individuals who would like to talk to Mr. Kamnikar about the revised bridge plan can call him at 218-755-4521 or e-mail him at Michael.kamnikar@dot.state.mn.us.

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