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St. Paul's High Bridge reopens after 15-month construction

Published  November 21, 2018 9:48pm CST
News
FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) - The Smith Avenue High Bridge reopened late Wednesday afternoon after being shut down for 15 months.

During this time, crews with the Department of Transportation reconstructed the bridge deck and improved the roadway and sidewalk for pedestrians and bicyclists.

It is one of just a few bridges in St. Paul that carry traffic over the Mississippi River.

The deck of the bridge is 160 feet high and is a major entryway into downtown from the west side of the city.

One local resident said the bridge closure was an inconvenience and they are happy to see it reopened.

Construction crews actually opened the bridge ahead of schedule and a ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for Dec. 2, weather permitting.

The reconstruction of the bridge is part of a larger project to improve Smith Avenue and Dodd Road. That work begins next year.