Overview
The I-90 Bridge spans the Mississippi River between Dresbach, Minnesota and La Crosse, Wisconsin. Built in 1967, it is a 2,490-foot-long, 4-lane bridge.
The existing, fracture-critical bridge has narrow shoulders that cause lane closures when vehicles are stranded or during routine maintenance operations. Current interchange geometry creates difficult and unsafe traffic movements for commuter traffic.
Location
- Minnesota / Wisconsin Line
Schedule
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Project Letting – Oct. 19, 2012
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Construction –Late 2012/early 2013 through 2016
Cost
- $175-$225 million
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will there be a bike path on the river bridge crossing?
A: MnDOT, along with State and Federal partners studied extensively the feasibility of accommodating this feature. At this time, no bicycle and pedestrian accommodations will be made, but the bridge will be constructed to allow for its inclusion at a future time.
Q: Will there be any detours?
A: Construction of the project is to be done under traffic. One of the project goals is to keep all traffic movements open throughout the construction project. Final construction staging is still to be determined and updates on traffic impacts will be posted on the project website.
Q: How long will the project take?
A: Current staging estimates five years to build the new bridge and interchange and remove the old bridge.
Q: Will the Travel Information Center/Rest Area and boat launches be open during the project?
A: There will be impacts to access of these amenities throughout the project. The timing of the impacts is yet to be determined and will be updated on the project website. Attempts will be made to provide alternate accommodations during the impacts.
Q: What will happen to the existing bridge?
A: The existing bridge will be demolished once the new bridge is open to traffic.
Q: Will there be opportunity for ongoing public input?
A: A public outreach effort will be made throughout the project to keep all stakeholders and users up to date with project progress.