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After nearly three years of restoration on the 1931 Stillwater Lift Bridge, the structure opened to bicycle and pedestrian traffic at 8 a.m. yesterday morning. A crowd of about 100 people gathered at either end of the bridge prior to the opening and cheered as they crossed the newly opened bridge. After the official opening a steady stream of users enjoyed the final link in the 4.7 mile St. Croix River Crossing Loop Trail. The opening comes 14 years after the original 2006 decision to transform Stillwater’s Lift Bridge into a bicycle-pedestrian crossing.
But although the newly renovated lift bridge is now open, we’ll need to raise the lift span until 10:30 a.m. today, June 2, and again on Thu, June 4 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. During those times, the lift bridge will be closed to all traffic. The short-term closures are needed to make some additional adjustments to the electrical system on the bridge’s lift span.
Road work continues to be a critical service. MnDOT is committed to protecting the health, safety and well-being of its employees, contractors and all Minnesotans. Crews continue to follow the guidance of state and federal health officials to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Transformation of the lift bridge to a bicycle/pedestrian crossing began in August 2017. Restoration work included repairing steel, painting, upgrading the electrical and mechanical system, installing decorative lights and rebuilding the concourse area to restore the lift bridge to its original 1931 look.
If you’d like more information about the Stillwater Lift Bridge project, please visit: mndot.gov/metro/projects/liftbridge.
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