Public Input Wanted For New Mississippi River Bridge

(KNSI) – Two open houses are scheduled for the last week of the month to facilitate a community meeting about a new bridge over the Mississippi River.

The first is Wednesday, January 25 from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at the CrestView Shoppes, located at 3031 Roosevelt Road. The other is Monday, January 30, also from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at Haven Town Hall at 4230 45th Ave SE.

Construction is still probably a decade away, subject to an environmental study, but it is important to build a consensus now. The steering committee is proposing a span at 33rd Street South, noting it would be the only crossing between University Drive in St. Cloud and Clearwater ten miles away.

The committee says it would alleviate overcongestion elsewhere, especially through downtown. The new bridge would allow for the creation of a beltline that would provide transportation around the entire St. Cloud metro area. It would also improve emergency response times and allow easier access to the St. Cloud Regional Airport.

There are three routes under consideration on the east side of the river in Haven Township to connect the bridge with Highway 10. The northernmost path would essentially extend 37th Street SE through County Road 8 and the highway.

The public is welcome to drop in whenever is convenient. You are not required to be there for the entire meeting.

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