ST. PAUL, Minn.—The Minnesota Department of Transportation today announced the management team for the construction efforts on the St. Croix Crossing that will connect Oak Park Heights with St. Joseph, Wis. The project cost estimate is between $571 and $676 million and once underway will take three years to complete. The major project goals include:
• Restore the Stillwater Lift Bridge and convert its use to a bicycle/pedestrian crossing
• Build a new bridge to increase traffic capacity between Minnesota and Wisconsin
• Construct roadway approaches on both sides of the river
• Protect historic, cultural and environmental features along the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway
MnDOT is reorganizing staff into a St. Croix Crossing project office led by Jon Chiglo. Chiglo, an engineer who led the successful completion of the Interstate 35W bridge in 2007, will manage a staff of engineers and other specialists including community relations and an ombudsman to help resolve issues. Incorporating disadvantage business enterprises is another key priority.
“This project is complex and calls for collaboration among many organizations and individuals,” said MnDOT Commissioner Tom Sorel. “We intend to achieve nothing less than a legacy of sound construction, responsible stewardship of the St. Croix River Valley’s resources and successful community participation.”
“I am honored to be doing this work and look forward to keeping the community involved with and aware of our efforts,” Chiglo said.
Construction of the new bridge is expected to begin in 2014 and take about three years to complete. Beginning in summer 2012, crews will conduct foundation load tests at the new crossing site and provide bridge designers with critical information about soil conditions under the river to determine how to design the bridge’s foundation.
MnDOT is the lead agency on the project and is coordinating with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation as well as sharing in the cost of the bridge. Both states will also work with the Federal Highway Administration.
Interested individuals can stay informed about the project by visiting www.mndot.gov/stcroixcrossing or the St. Croix Crossing Facebook page, attending open houses and signing up for subscription emails.
