News Release

Bemidji, Mn. -- The Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) is notifying motorists that work began today to replace the Waskish Bridge over the Tamarac River on Trunk Highway 72 in Beltrami County.

According to Bill Pirkl, Mn/DOT Project Engineer, the work includes replacing the bridge, approach panels and guard rail. Pirkl said traffic is restricted to using a single lane, with an 11-foot width which requires drivers to stop and take turns crossing.

The new bridge will be widened to include a pedestrian/bike path on the east side. When complete, motor vehicle traffic will be separated from the pedestrian/bike path with the use of guardrail. The pedestrian/bike path portion of the bridge was funded in cooperation with the Mn/Dept. of Natural Resources as part of their bike path trail system.

The project is expected to be complete by October 28, 2005.

For updated road condition information in Minnesota, dial 511 or log on to www.511mn.org.

See ORANGE.

We’re in the WORK ZONE Together