After construction difficulties, Highway 101 bridge expected to be complete in Sept.

Redwood County has been working to construct a new $4.6 million bridge across the Minnesota River on County State Aid Highway 101.  However, many unforeseen and difficult foundation conditions have delayed the project.

This week, the Redwood County Highway Department said it expects the bridge to be complete and open to traffic in September 2021, with an expected usable life of 75 years.  

The rock was extremely hard and uneven, resulting in the need to redesign the south abutment, and causing slow drilling through several feet of bedrock.  In an attempt to maintain the schedule, the contractor worked through the winter during frigid weather.

Recently, during the concrete deck pour, the rails supporting the concrete paver failed, resulting in the contractor stopping the concrete bridge deck pour and installing a temporary bulkhead.  The contractor is currently in the process of reconstructing this portion of the bridge deck by removing the concrete, replacing concrete forms and replacing the rebar before pouring again. 

After the bridge deck is finished, Duininck will need to complete the railing, north approach panel, high density concrete overlay, bituminous paving and erosion control.