NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 31, 2017
MEDIA CONTACT: Lance Robertson, Project Supervisor
218-262-0269
Construction begins Aug. 7 to replace bridge on Highway 88
Construction begins Monday, August 7, to build a new bridge on County State Aid Highway 88 (Grant McMahon Boulevard) crossing the Burntside River west of Ely. The project involves replacing the existing bridge, built in 1938 and at the end of its serviceable life, with a 105-foot concrete slab span bridge. The new bridge will no longer have the weight limitations that the old bridge has, and will include heightened distance between the river and bottom of the bridge, which will allow increased navigational use of the river.
The project is expected to last through October, with additional work necessary next spring. Detour signage will be placed on both CSAH 88 and Highway 169.
Engineers have condensed the construction schedule as much as possible to minimize the duration of the closure, recognizing the inconvenience it causes to people who normally travel this road. The contract requires this year's work be complete by October 28, with financial incentives added for each day prior to that the road re-opens.
The bridge and road will need to re-close for approximately three weeks next spring, from May 21 to June 9, 2018, for the final road paving, bridge painting, installation of the bridge concrete wearing course, pavement markings and road shouldering.
The total project cost is $1.26 million, with funding coming from State Aid dollars. Redstone Construction, LLC, is the project contractor.
To learn more about this or any other St. Louis County road construction project, or to sign up for email updates, visit stlouiscountymn.gov/construction.
 Construction begins August 7 to replace the nearly 90-year-old bridge spanning the Burntside River on Highway 88 west of Ely. Detours will be posted until the bridge and road reopen in October.
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