St. Croix River Crossing Update: Federal Appeal Delays Testing | Environment

Opposition by the Sierra Club in federal court has delayed a river testing project that is required before construction of the new bridge can begin.

In March, a federal judge ruled in favor of the Sierra Club that argued the bridge would damage the river and its scenery. The federal government is appealing that judge's decision. The next hearing takes place this summer in St. Louis.

The load testing project in the St. Croix River was scheduled for spring 2010 to document riverbed stability and provide foundation information for both the Minnesota's and Wisconsin's Department of Transportation. Until legal issues are satisfied the project is on hold.

One of the projects moving forward in relation to the St. Croix River Crossing is moving the Shoddy Mill and Warehouse currently located adjacent to the riverbank.

These buildings will be moved to a site in nearby Stillwater to clear the right of way for the new St. Croix River Crossing bridge.

The new site to where the buildings are being moved is known as the Stillwater Municipal Barge Facility Property and is being developed as a city park. The new setting was chosen because it is similar to the old setting. The future use of the buildings has not been determined by the City of Stillwater at this point. However, its use as a rest stop on the adjacent bike and pedestrian path is being explored.

For more information on the St. Croix River Crossing Project, visit MnDot's Project Page.