Final design plans
MnDOT continues to diligently work on the new bridge and road connection plans to be completed by the end of May.

Highway 23 detour
The Highway 23 detour using local streets through St. Cloud remains. MnDOT meets weekly with the city engineer to ensure everything is running smoothly. Westbound traffic remains detoured via Lincoln Avenue, St. Germain Street and Fourth Avenue. Eastbound traffic remains detoured via Fourth Avenue, St. Germain Street and Wilson Avenue. Map

Highway 23 truck route
Semitrailer drivers are encouraged to continue to use a signed truck route around St. Cloud to alleviate local congestion. The route is via Highway 15, Benton County Road 29 and Highway 10. Map

June/July

Steel girders
Due to the high demand for steel in the market, a bid for a separate prefabricated steel girder contract will be opened June 6. This will guarantee delivery of the girders by May 2009.

Paint encapsulation
The DeSoto bridge structure has lead paint, so encapsulation is necessary. In July, crews will spray a nontoxic liquid elastic material onto the steel to adhere any loose paint. This will ensure none of the paint chips detach when disassembled and hauled to a hazardous material facility for recycling.

Utility relocations; detour modification
All the utilities beneath the deck structure will be relocated in July so the bridge can be disassembled. This includes a 16-inch gas main owned by Xcel Energy that feeds much of western St. Cloud. In June, eastbound Highway 23 will be closed from Lincoln Avenue to the bridge to allow crews to deliver, assemble and weld together the new steel pipe sections. Once assembled, crews will work around the clock to drill a tunnel 20 feet below the river surface to connect with the current gas main between St. Cloud City Hall and Wilson Avenue.

During the gas main work, Highway 23 traffic will be detoured via Lincoln Avenue, St. Germain Street and Fourth Avenue.

August

Demolition and construction
Mid-August crews will disassemble the old bridge. Once removed, foundation work for the new bridge piers will begin. Work on the piers and abutments will continue throughout the winter.

April 2009

Reconstruction of Highway 23 at Lake George
In 2009, Highway 23 will also be reconstructed from Fourth Avenue to Washington Memorial Drive, including the overpass at Lake George in St. Cloud.

Project Updates

Additional information
MnDOT appreciates your patience and cooperation during this project. All work is based on good weather conditions. The $36 million Highway 23 Bridge will be open to traffic in November 2009. Highway 23 Downtown St. Cloud Construction

For e-mail project updates, visit www.mndot.gov for instructions on how to subscribe.

Go to Top