New St. Croix bridge to use five sets of piers

• St. Croix bridge

This photo simulation shows an aerial view of the King Plant looking west and illustrates the proposed St. Croix River crossing between Oak Park Heights, Minn., and the town of St. Joseph. Minnesota Department of Transportation photo

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STILLWATER - Transportation officials in Minnesota decide to use five sets of piers for the new St. Croix River bridge.

Original plans called for six sets of two piers each in the water. The Minnesota Department of Transportation says the new design will be better for the environment and will save time and millions of dollars. It could take three to four months to build a single pier. Bridge spans will be lengthened, from 475 to 575 feet. Load tests are being conducted on the river bed starting August 20th.

The four-lane, freeway-style bridge will connect Houlton, Wisconsin, with the Minnesota side. Construction on the project costing at least 574 million dollars will start in earnest next spring.

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