About this project
Watch construction on the Veterans Memorial Bridge in progress (View courtesy of Ardent Mills)
A bridge and ramp interchange project is planned at the interchange of Hwy 169 and Belgrade Ave., spanning across the cities of North Mankato and Mankato. In addition to repairing Veterans Memorial Bridge, interchange signals will be replaced, ramp pavement will be improved, and sidewalks will be replaced.
The project will be built in coordination with the City of North Mankato's Belgrade Ave. reconstruction project.
Veterans Memorial Bridge features and improvements. Click to view larger image.
Summary of work
- Replace the deck of Veterans Memorial Bridge, which spans over the Minnesota River, the railroad, and Riverfront Dr.
- Repair approach panels and joints on the bridge over Hwy 169
- Replace the signals at the interchange of Hwy 169 and Belgrade Ave.
- Replace pedestrian ramps and sidewalk to meet Americans with Disabilities (ADA) standards
- Provide dual left turn lanes to the Hwy 169 southbound on-ramp
- Improve roadway drainage
Veterans Memorial Bridge and Hwy 169/Belgrade Ave. Interchange layout: Draft 2025 (PDF)
Traffic impacts
Traffic will be detoured during construction in 2026
Veterans Memorial Bridge and interchange project detour for Minnesota River crossing routes. Click to view larger image.