Two local lawmakers wrap red ribbon around announcement
Rep. Rick Hansen, DFL-South St. Paul, and Sen. Jim Metzen, DFL-South St. Paul, with delight announced today (Dec. 22) that the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has indicated that it will begin construction on the Lafayette Bridge in 2011.
The bridge spans the Mississippi River and provides access to downtown St. Paul for commuters from Dakota County.
In recent months, lawmakers have held press conferences near the base of the bridge, citing it as an example of long overdue maintenance on state infrastructure.
According to the lawmakers, the new bridge span over the river will include a bike/pedestrian lane, a dedicated bus lane, and footings for the addition of a light rail line in the future.
“We’ve been waiting a long time to get this done, but the good news today is that it’s going to be done right,” said Metzen of the new bridge.
“This news really is like a holiday gift to those working folks who rely on the Lafayette Bridge to get to work and get home every day,” concluded Hansen.
