Veterans Memorial Bridge in Mankato to open by 1 p.m. Oct. 31
Ribbon-cutting celebration set for 2 p.m. Oct. 30
MANKATO, Minn. – The Veterans Memorial Bridge in Mankato is expected to reopen to traffic by 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
The bridge has been closed since Feb. 3. The project included significant repairs to Veterans Memorial Bridge and improvements to the Belgrade Avenue Bridge over Highway 169, which connects North Mankato and Mankato. Additional work included replacing ramp signals, modifying ramp configurations, and replacing sidewalks.
“As joint owners of the bridge, MnDOT and the city of Mankato partnered to repair this important connection between two cities, which carries more than 20,000 vehicles per day,” said MnDOT District Engineer Zachary Tess. “Through local, state, and federal funds, we were able to make the necessary improvements to support safer and more efficient travel. We’re grateful for the community’s patience during the project and look forward to reopening the bridge on Oct. 31.”
The city of North Mankato also reconstructed Belgrade Avenue from just west of Range Street to Nicollet Avenue in coordination with the bridge and interchange project.
Ribbon-cutting ceremony
State, federal, and local officials have been invited to join community members for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30 on the bridge. The event is open to the public. Parking will be available in the Blue Earth County Library parking lot, 100 E Main Street, Mankato. Shuttle service will be available from the parking lot onto the bridge. If there is inclement weather, the ceremony will be held at the Blue Earth County Library.
Remaining work and traffic impacts
- Installation of a large overhead sign will occur after the bridge reopens. A one- or two-day detour will be needed to complete the work safely. Crews plan to schedule the installation in the evening or on a weekend to minimize impacts to drivers.
- Installation of more than 2,000 feet of ornamental railing is expected to begin in mid-November. One side of the bridge will remain open to pedestrians until the permanent railing and medallions honoring military service are installed. Crews will then shift to the opposite side, and pedestrian access will move accordingly.
- The stairways near the Blue Earth Library parking lot that lead to the Veterans Memorial Bridge will remain closed to pedestrians for safety until railing is installed.
- Drivers should expect periodic lane closures with minimal traffic impacts over the next few weeks as crews wrap up work on the project.
The project was originally expected to extend into 2027, but crews are working to complete as much as possible to finish the project this year.
MnDOT thanks residents, motorists, businesses, and the community for their patience during construction. Ames Construction, Inc. was awarded the project with a bid of $21,273,398.92.
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