77th Ave./Brooklyn Blvd./Elm Creek Blvd. bridge over Hwy 169 struck by over-height load; closed until further notice
ROSEVILLE, Minn. – The bridge carrying 77th Avenue/Brooklyn Blvd./Elm Creek Blvd. traffic over Highway 169 on the border of Brooklyn Park and Maple Grove was struck by a backhoe being hauled by a dump truck late Monday morning, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Several concrete beams sustained significant damage, which led to immediate closure of the bridge.
The bridge will remain closed and detoured until further notice while MnDOT bridge engineers inspect the bridge, document the damage and remove any loose concrete. Following the inspection, the MnDOT Bridge Office will update the load rating to determine a possible reduction in load capacity and if it is safe to reopen the structure to any traffic. Highway 169 traffic is not affected and the ramps to and from Highway 169 are open at each end of the bridge.
During the closure, motorists will follow a signed detour. Westbound Brooklyn Blvd. traffic is being detoured north on Highway 169 to Highway 610 and back south to continue west on Elm Creek Blvd. Eastbound Elm Creek Blvd. traffic is being detoured south to I-94/I-694 and back north to Brooklyn Blvd. Motorists also are encouraged to use alternate routes to avoid congestion and delays.
All construction activities and traffic impacts are weather and schedule permitting and subject to change.
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