Stillwater lift bridge flood preparations begin Friday morning, June 21

ROSEVILLE, Minn. – Rising water levels on the St. Croix River and continued rainy weather are prompting the Minnesota Department of Transportation to prepare the Stillwater lift bridge for possible flooding. MnDOT maintenance crews will block access to both ends of the lift bridge about 7 a.m. Friday, June 21, at which time pedestrian and bicycle traffic will be prohibited from the river crossing. Parking also will be restricted from the area near the bridge in downtown Stillwater.

Maintenance and bridge crews will begin placing ballast on the two stationary ends (non-lift sections) of the lift bridge around 9 a.m. tomorrow morning to weigh the bridge down to prevent possible movement of the structure due to flood waters. Crews expect to complete placing ballast on the bridge by mid-afternoon and then will raise the lift span approximately 15 feet above the bridge deck. Boats with a height less than 15 feet will still be allowed to pass beneath the bridge while the lift span is raised.

Once flood waters recede, the span will be lowered, ballast will be removed, and pedestrian and bicycle traffic will again be able to cross the St. Croix River on the loop trail. MnDOT also will resume the regular lift bridge schedule.

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