Crews to replace Des Moines River Bridge
Motorists who travel Highway 71 in Jackson are advised that beginning Monday, May 2, traffic will be detoured as crews begin the replacement of the Des Moines River Bridge.
The Highway 71 detour, consisting of E. Ashley Street and Jackson County Roads 23 and 34, will be in place until October. However, access will be maintained to Jackson area businesses.
Other local traffic impacts include restricting access to River Street north of Ashley Street, temporarily detouring Springfield Parkway to Jackson County Roads 34 and 53 and changing the stop signs to yield signs at the Jackson County Road 23 railroad crossing. Fourth Street will be permanently closed at Highway 71 as part of the new design for improved traffic flow and safety.
MnDOT and the contractor will host weekly public meetings at 1 p.m. on Tuesdays at Jackson City Hall to answer questions about the project. The first meeting is scheduled for this Monday, April 26.
The Highway 71 project includes replacing a 60 year-old bridge, improving operations at the Highway 71/Springfield Drive (Jackson County Road 14) 4th Street intersection, resurfacing, building better pedestrian and bicycle accommodations and improving safety by with reduced speeds and turn lanes.
A detour map and more information can be found at www.dot.state.mn.us/d7/projects/hwy71jackson/
For statewide travel information, visit www.511mn.org .
