Approach work makes way for new St. Croix bridge

The Minnesota Department of Transportation has chosen local contractor C.S. McCrossan to lead the reconstruction and realignment of Minnesota Hwy 36, which is the first phase of the St. Croix Crossing project. Eventually the project will replace the aging Stillwater Lift Bridge.

Along with reconstructing and realigning Minnesota Hwy 36 and Hwy 95, the project includes:

· Adding turn lanes at Oakgreen, Greely and Osgood

· Realigning the intersection of Oakgreen and Greeley to improve access

· Creating a shared center turn lane

· Adding a trail along the south frontage road to connect to the new loop trail

· Adding ponds to improve storm water treatment and water quality

· Connecting the south frontage road to Stage Coach Trail

· Realigning the Beach Road bridge to include bike and pedestrian trails

· Constructing noise and retaining walls

· Adding traffic signals, lighting, signing and pavement markings

· Installing cameras and traffic detection

· Relocating utilities

Jon Chiglo, St. Croix Crossing Project Director, says the construction is expected to begin this spring and conclude in fall of 2014.

Along with the reconstruction of Minnesota Hwy 36, the St. Croix Crossing project includes a four-lane river bridge, a roadway approach on the Wisconsin side of the river, historic and environmental mitigation, and extensive trail facilities, including converting the Stillwater Lift Bridge to a bike and pedestrian facility. These will be covered by separate contracts.

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