Hastings bridge redo prompts open house

driving across hastings bridge
Driving across the Hastings Bridge.
MPR Photo/Toni Randolph

Possible designs for a replacement bridge in Hastings go on display Tuesday.

The Hastings Bridge is one of the lowest-rated river crossings in the Twin Cities region. It is due to be rebuilt in the next few years. State transportation officials hope to begin construction by fall of 2010.

The department is holding an open house in Hastings where people can look at four designs.

The Hastings bridge over the Mississippi River is one of 11 major highway and freeway spans in Minnesota that are due for replacement over the next decade.

There is money for the bridge repair goal in the transportation bill the Legislature approved this year over Gov. Tim Pawlenty's veto.