At this point, the Project is poised to float the Main Span down river this Saturday, starting after 6 a.m. The span will then be moved onto a skid system that will align it within the Piers 5 and 6. After that, strand jacks will be used to lift it into place.
As with the move on to barges, the entire process is likely to be very slow to observer. The work can best be viewed via webcams and video that will be available on the Project’s website, www.dot.state.mn.us/hastingsbridge. The website also includes additional detail about the span and process.
The following is information you should know and share for the sake of your customers, deliveries, drivers and employees.
As of today:
- Starting at 6 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 22, motorists traveling through the area will encounter a closure of Hwy 61 at the Mississippi River.
- The highway will remain closed for up to 72 hours. This means the highway will likely be closed on Monday – including for both the morning and evening commutes.
- Motorists travelling through the Hasting area should follow the signed detour using I-494, Highway 52 and Highway 55.
- Local law enforcement also plans to close Lock and Dam Road and the bicycle and pedestrian path between downtown and the Lock and Dam for the initial hours of the float on Saturday.
- Parking at Jaycee Park will be closed due to a previously planned project. Parking will be available at Lake Rebecca Park.
- Starting at 6 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 22, all through river traffic will be suspended between Lock and Dam No. 2 and the CP Railroad Bridge. This closure will be for up to 72 hours as well.
Access to downtown businesses and residences will remain open during the entire float-in and lift process.
This schedule is subject to change. Updates about the closure will be available on the Project’s website (www.dot.state.mn.us/hastingsbridge).