Sartell Rededicates White Truss Bridge as Walking Path

(KNSI) – Under normal circumstances, a warm summer weekend night would naturally bring people to the Mississippi River in Sartell. Friday night was not your typical scene, though. About 100 people were gathered just south of Watab Park.

Councilors Alex Lewandowski and Tim Elness hold the ribbon for Mayor Ryan Fitzthum.
Grant Dossetto/KNSI News

Mayor Ryan Fitzthum and several council members were on hand at the white truss bridge as it was rededicated. The span dates back to the 1910s and served as a single-lane bridge until ’84. It has been reconceived as a pedestrian span, opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Fitzthum expects to sign the documents to purchase the paper mill property across the way on the east side of the river as early as Monday night. A community survey is being put together to figure out what that lot will look like. Fitzthum expects a mix of residential and commercial development, plus public areas.

He says, “You look at the setback from the river. No one can build within 100 feet of the river. And so, that naturally creates an opportunity for the city to put in public space there. So, you can imagine on a beautiful night, you cross the river, and then you’re able to walk up almost to the structure of the dam on a great walking path.”

Right now, the bridge is only for pedestrians, plus there are some platforms carved out that will serve as fishing piers or lookouts. Fitzthum says it provides a different vantage point for residents to take in their city.

He notes, “That’s a sight that most of our community, probably fair to say 99% of our community, have actually never saw. Is standing on the east side of the river looking back to the west.”

Grant Dossetto/KNSI News

Fitzthum says it will keep evolving and once the paper mill site is more refined, he could envision bicycles to be allowed on the bridge as well.

At night, LED lights shine. Expect red, white, and blue on the Fourth of July. Friday saw blue and gold, the colors of the city logo. Fitzthum says sports accomplishments could be another thing recognized. He says, “Our high school baseball team’s going to the state tournament. How awesome would it be to light this up in Sabre colors, blue and white, and commemorate fun things like that?”

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