About this bridge repair project
MnDOT began construction on the Highway 75 bridge in Climax on September 14, following safety concerns identified last fall. The bridge will remain closed until repairs are completed in late November. Construction includes:
- Replacing the south pier
- Stabilizing the slopes under and east of the bridge to prevent future movement
- When complete, the bridge will be returned to its original alignment
- Highway 75 north of the bridge will be repaired and repaved
A detour remains in place using Highway 220 and Polk County Road 45. MnDOT expects to reopen Highway 75 by late November, once all repairs are complete and the bridge can safely carry traffic again.
Bridge Closed
We have monitored the Highway 75 bridge for several years due to signs of shifting in one of the piers. In November 2025, measurements showed that the pier and nearby ground were moving beyond acceptable safety limits. To protect the traveling public, the bridge was closed.
Design Build
Because this was an unplanned project, a method called design build was selected which would accelerate repair work. This approach allows design and construction phases to overlap, significantly shortening the project timeline. Under traditional project delivery, a project of this complexity could take around five years to move from development through construction.
Using design build allows MnDOT to finalize plans and begin construction at the same time, keeping the project on a much faster schedule.