Public asked to help select design for US 61 Hastings bridge

by Bob Spaulding

What type of bridge should welcome visitors by road, trail and water into downtown Hastings? Thats the question the Minnesota Department of Transportation is posing to the public.

Between now and June 17th, MnDOT is seeking public input on the design of a new bridge along US 61 into downtown Hastings. Well over 100 people attended a public hearing and presentation on the project on May 20th.

Three bridge types are under consideration. Option one is to replace the current bridge with twin box girder bridges. Option two is a tied arch structure, the most similar design to the existing bridge. Option three is a cable bridge, which would likely have the largest vertical rise of the proposed designs.

Each option would have advantages and disadvantages in terms of cost, impacts on the river itself, and the visual and historic fit with the surrounding environment. Renderings of the three options can be found at right.

The new bridge is also slated to have a wide trail connection constructed along its eastern end, which would be separated by a concrete wall.

In any case, what most certainly wont be built is a replica of the iconic bridge that stood on the site from 1895 to 1951 (see photo at right). That bridge is still used today in the Hastings City logo. But it turns out roadway spirals are not an approved approach to modern highway design.

The current bridge was stabilized last year to make sure it was structurally sound until it is replaced. Construction is expected to start in 2010, and continue for three to four years.