Temporary closure of Riverfront Drive in Mankato begins March 25 for the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge project
MANKATO, Minn. – A section of Riverfront Drive, between East Main and Plum Streets in Mankato, will close tentatively starting Wednesday, March 25, as crews begin removing the deck of the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
Traffic will be detoured to Plum Street, 2nd Street, and Main Street. The temporary closure is expected to last approximately two to three weeks.
The Veteran’s Memorial Bridge and Highway 169/Belgrade Interchange will remain closed and traffic detoured until late 2026, weather permitting. Riverfront Drive will also close intermittently throughout the project, with advance notice provided. Final wrap-up work is expected in 2027 and is not expected to require additional detours.
The Veteran’s Memorial Bridge project includes significant repairs to the bridge and improvements to the Belgrade Avenue Bridge over Highway 169 connecting the cities of North Mankato and Mankato. Additionally, interchange ramp signals will be replaced, ramp configuration will be modified, and sidewalks will be replaced.
Ames Construction, Inc. was awarded the project with a bid of $21,273,398.92.
Belgrade Avenue project, North Mankato
North Mankato will reconstruct Belgrade Avenue from just west of Range Street to Nicollet Avenue beginning in April 2026 through July, weather permitting. That work will occur concurrently with the bridge and interchange project. Visit the North Mankato Belgrade Avenue reconstruction project website for more information on the project.
Stay connected
- Visit the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge and Highway 169/Belgrade Interchange project website for more information, detour routes, periodic construction updates, and to sign up for email updates.
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