Historic Kern Bridge reinstalled over Blue Earth River in Mankato

MANKATO, Minn. (FOX 9) - The historic Kern Bridge was lifted into place over the Blue Earth River in Mankato Monday. 

The backstory:

The bridge dates back more than 150 years and went through a journey to get to this point. 

The bridge was built in 1873, making it the oldest standing roadway truss in Minnesota. The roughly 190-foot wrought-iron bridge originally crossed the Le Sueur River, just south of Mankato.

It was later added to the National Register of Historic Places, recognized for its unique bowstring truss design and exceptional span.

After more than a century of service, the bridge was dismantled in 2020 because of its deteriorating condition. Its pieces were then stored, waiting for a new purpose. 

Why you should care:

Now, the bridge will be a pedestrian and bicycle crossing over the Blue Earth River. The rehabilitated bridge will connect Sibley Park with Land of Memories Park, becoming part of the Minnesota River Trail. 

Over the past several months, crews have been preparing the area and putting the pieces back together. The bridge span has been reassembled, with construction of the new concrete piers, painting and other rehabilitation work. 

Map of historic bridges in Minnesota

Big picture view:

The project is one example of efforts to preserve historic bridges across Minnesota. MnDOT has an interactive map showing all the historic bridges from the North Shore to the Twin Cities to southern Minnesota. 

There have been several recent rehabilitation projects since 2020, including the James J. Hill Stone Arch Bridge, the Third Avenue Bridge and 10th Avenue Bridge all in Minneapolis.

In Cannon Falls, the Third Street Bridge was rehabilitated back in 2021.

Mankato