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AGENDA RECOMMENDATION |
City Manager's Report 7.A.
City Council Regular Meeting
- Meeting Date:
- 01/26/2026
Agenda Item:
Update on the MnDOT Project SP 5212-35 (169), Veteran's Memorial Bridge Rehabilitation project.
Recommendation/Action(s):
No action, informational only.
Summary:
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) over the past month has been in communication with the city and public regarding the start of the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge project. City staff have been working with MnDOT and their consultant team to prepare for the anticipated closure of the bridge as soon as February 3rd, 2026. This preparation work has been focused on the planned detour route and development of optimized signal timing during the bridge closure. For additional information regarding the construction and detours, the public is invited to attend a construction open house hosted by MnDOT on Tuesday, January 27, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Blue Earth County Library (100 E. Main Street, Mankato).
The work includes significant repairs to Veteran’s Memorial 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.
Preliminary tree clearing and mobilization work is expected to begin the week of January 26th with minimal traffic impacts. The bridge closure is expected on February 3rd with traffic detoured until late fall 2026, weather permitting. Final completion is expected in early summer 2027 with remaining work completed under traffic without additional detours. The project preconstruction meeting is scheduled for Friday, January 23rd, where additional information will be provided, and pertinent updates shared at the council meeting.
Previously on December 1, 2025, the City Manager was authorized to enter into a Cooperative Construction Agreement between MnDOT and City of Mankato and City of North Mankato for the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge Project No. 1059682. A draft agreement was available with estimated project cost obligations outlined for both cities. Under the basis of cost for the City of Mankato was reference to a Local Bridge Replacement Program (LBRP) grant in the amount not to exceed $1,433,415.12 in eligible funding. MnDOT is in the process of confirming the final cost for both the City of Mankato and City of North Mankato. Within this cost will be a breakdown of the final LBRP grant amount. To formally receive this grant funding, the City of Mankato will be required to enter into LBRP Grant Agreement No. 1061718, expected to be brought before the city council for approval at a future meeting.
The work includes significant repairs to Veteran’s Memorial 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.
Preliminary tree clearing and mobilization work is expected to begin the week of January 26th with minimal traffic impacts. The bridge closure is expected on February 3rd with traffic detoured until late fall 2026, weather permitting. Final completion is expected in early summer 2027 with remaining work completed under traffic without additional detours. The project preconstruction meeting is scheduled for Friday, January 23rd, where additional information will be provided, and pertinent updates shared at the council meeting.
Previously on December 1, 2025, the City Manager was authorized to enter into a Cooperative Construction Agreement between MnDOT and City of Mankato and City of North Mankato for the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge Project No. 1059682. A draft agreement was available with estimated project cost obligations outlined for both cities. Under the basis of cost for the City of Mankato was reference to a Local Bridge Replacement Program (LBRP) grant in the amount not to exceed $1,433,415.12 in eligible funding. MnDOT is in the process of confirming the final cost for both the City of Mankato and City of North Mankato. Within this cost will be a breakdown of the final LBRP grant amount. To formally receive this grant funding, the City of Mankato will be required to enter into LBRP Grant Agreement No. 1061718, expected to be brought before the city council for approval at a future meeting.