by MaryAnne Block
The news of the Hwy. 75 bridge being open to traffic was greatly welcomed as vehicles began to cross the new, wider bridge at 11 a.m. June 21 about a week before the initial projected completion date.
The $4.7 million bridge was built by Lunda Bridge Builders of Wisconsin. The previous bridge, built 70 years ago in 1953, was deteriorating below the road deck and underwater pillars. Because of Department of Natural Resources requirements to not conflict with fish spawning in the Sauk River, it was decided to do a winter build.
Some businesses had been disrupted due to the project because of a lack of traffic flow in that particular area.
“There has been a huge uptick in people dropping in to check and purchase items,” said Jim Beck, owner of Modern Barnyard, a business in that bridge area. “We used to think the noise of traffic was a problem, but now it is great to hear the traffic once again.
“We appreciate those who come in to shop and those who call to see if the bridge is open,” Beck added. “We used the quiet time to get in thousands of new items. Customers will like what we have done. We are open and ready for shoppers.”
Teresa Kruger-Lahr is the guest-service leader at the Kwik Trip convenience store at the intersection of Hwy 75 and CR 134.
“There are a lot more people dropping in for whatever they need,” she said. “Even though the bridge has been open a few days, the increased numbers are quite significant.”
The Hwy. 75 bridge that connects St. Joseph to Waite Park, St. Cloud and beyond opened to traffic at 11 a.m. June 21. Traffic was light on Sunday, but during the week the number of vehicles had really picked up. That resulted in more traffic over the Sauk River, and to businesses along the corridor between St. Joseph and Waite Park. The project took eight months to complete.
