Stillwater lift bridge flooding preparations completed Friday afternoon, June 21

ROSEVILLE, Minn. – In the face of potential flooding on the St. Croix River in downtown Stillwater, the Minnesota Department of Transportation completed preparations shortly after 1 p.m. this afternoon to protect the Stillwater Lift Bridge from rising water levels on the St. Croix River. MnDOT maintenance and bridge crews placed concrete barrier on the non-lift sections of the bridge to act as ballast and raised the lift span approximately 15 feet above the bridge deck. The ballast serves to prevent possible movement of the structure due to flood waters.

Workers also blocked access to both ends of the lift bridge to prevent pedestrians and bicyclists from using the river crossing. 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.

For more information and the lift bridge schedule, visit mndot.gov/stillwaterliftbridge.

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