News Release

BEMIDJI, Minn. -The Robbin bridge on State Highway 11 in Kittson County is temporarily closed after a crack was discovered in a support bracket for a girder during an inspection that was being conducted yesterday. The bridge inspection was conducted under the directive issued by Gov. Tim Pawlenty to inspect state bridges after the collapse of the Interstate 35W bridge on Aug. 1.

The Robbin Bridge which crosses over the Red River into North Dakota will be closed for several days according to the transportation departments of Minnesota and North Dakota. Mn/DOT and NDDOT inspectors will continue with further inspection to determine what repairs may be needed. The Robbin Bridge is also known as the Drayton Bridge on the North Dakota side of the Red River.

The last routine inspection of this bridge in May did not show any deficiencies.

Motorists are advised to use alternate crossings. On the Minnesota side, motorists can cross at State Hwy. 317 or 175.

The bridge is scheduled for replacement in 2009.

For information on road construction and conditions around the state, call 511 or log into www.511mn.org.