New bridge propsal

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20 years of this debate over millions of dollars for a new bridge….. has anyone seen the trafic in stillwater during the morning hours? there is non going in to stillwater, however its backed up in WI for miles. its a bunch of WI residents wining about their long commute to MN in the morning. deal with it, if you dont like a long commute to MN than move or get a differnt job! there are a lot of people out there who have a lot longer commute, in fact the traffic in MSP is way worse so should we just widen 94 to 10 lanes…..NO thats not how it works. if you plan geting a job with a long commute you should consider that before just taking it. the st croix is a national senic water rute that is protected for many aesthetic and biological reasons. the thought of a another massive bridge over the st croix makes me sick. oh and the people that think the stillwater bridge is unsafe, drive around it! there are a lot of educated engeeers who have a close eye on that bridge and if it was that unsafe, they would not let you drive on it.

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There’s a few more people that use the bridge other than those that use it to get to work. BY NO MEANS is the St.Croix river a scenic route. Thats a pile of crap and a terrible excuse not to build a bridge near the boat marina that houses hundreds of tuna boats right next to the crappy looking condos that are built rite next to the power plant which is located rite next to Anderson Windows plant which is next to a bunch of houses which is next to another marina which is next to another grouping of town homes. Let’s get real to the situation at hand if you want to see the true Scenic St.croix riverway you’ll have to go north of Stillwater and the beautiful new bridge they want to build will be built near that pretty smoke strack next to those gorgeous townhomes that have the view of the houses on the bluffs. Quite frankly if you live in Afton it has no adverse affect on you either way but thanks for voicing your opinion

I’d have to agree with you on the scenic route thing though. It seems absurd to classify it in that category.

It’s going to be a tough battle to get it passed. Good Luck with that!! Money buys judgements, bridges buy votes, government debt mortgages your childrens future, but man I hate traffic!!

OUT!

After the 35W bridge collapse do you have any idea how many small town back road 1 lane bridges got rebuilt that the majority of the public doesn’t know about ? I can count on 2 hands how many I personally know about and could use another 2 hands to count the ones I’ve heard about. As a gravel/back road traveler it was amazing to me to see all these small 1 lane bridges get tore down and replaced with 2-3 lane wonders that nobody ever voiced or got to voice an opinion about. This Stillwater bridge is old, it’s time has come, it’s an eye sore, it’s unconventional and unsafe. get with the times and get it built. If they charge a toll like there’s talk of our kids will never have to shell out a dime other than to cross the bridge.

On top of that think of the jobs it will generate and the money from workers being spent in nearby communities, both good things in these troubled times.

http://www.mn2020.org/issues-that-matter/transportation/federal-recovery-projects-in-minnesota

I do. They even give you the total at the bottom for all these 1 lane gravel road bridges you speak of, just over 250 million for greater MN and almost 220 million for the cities. Now where does 700 million fit in for 1 bridge? compared to 150 other road and bridge projects totalling roughly 470 million?

Jobs, these are the “temporary” ones that Obama has been beating his chest about creating. Government does not “create” jobs they just spend money, our money, when they run out they print more thus spending your kids money.

Tolls, I bet the 6 dollar toll will barely support the maintenance of this bridge, surely not repay the 700 million and provide maintenance. So the money has to come from somewhere?

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BY NO MEANS is the St.Croix river a scenic route.

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You obviously haven’t driven through the hudson channel on a midsummer Saturday afternoon.

I support Bachmann, she is a cougar.

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Government does not “create” jobs they just spend money, our money, when they run out they print more thus spending your kids money.

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The gov. cant JUST print money, it doesn’t work that way. They have to have something accountable such as gold to account for every dollar, without the gold to be accounted for the American dollar is worth nothing.

It’s obvious your against it that’s fine you have the right to your opinion and it’s respected. Just remeber that $700 mil is only going to cost MN $350. To me and all the others that travel through Stillwater on a weekly or daily basis it’s worth every penny. To somebody that lives 40+ miles away. I’m sure they could take more lights out of 65 and build more bridges over it. I’m sure the people that live in Cook MN appreciate paying for that.

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I support Bachmann, she is a cougar.

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NICE!

I AM “with” the times, it’s called fiscal responsibility and we all need to make sacrifices to get this ship righted again. I am a little upset that Bachmann is not holding up her promise to be more responsible with our money, this seems to be a political move all the way, “Hey, look at me cross party lines and work with (D)Ron Kind from Wisconsin.”

I did vote for her.

But I’m not buying it.

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The gov. cant JUST print money, it doesn’t work that way. They have to have something accountable such as gold to account for every dollar, without the gold to be accounted for the American dollar is worth nothing.

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Or less and less!!:(

Without going into the details of how they deliver more money into the economy, lets just call it what it is. Selling America! One gold bar at a time! Selling our debt to foreign countries making our economy “not so much” in our control! China would LOVE for us to build a new bridge!!

I am not against a new bridge for you guys, just not now, and does it HAVE to be a 700 Million dollar “masterpiece” of engineering marvel?

HI65 is a mess, everyday. I knew that when I moved here, I deal with it. The new overpasses are nice, but they dont save that much time, a few minutes is all. It is more fleece that we didnt need, and job creation that was temporary. They would have been better off removing some of the stoplights and making frontage roads to access the businesses at a fraction of the cost to taxpayers in Cook CO. But, thats not how our government works. The only way to get more $$ is to overspend what you were allotted every year, that old game. Snowplows running 4 days after a dusting of snow type stuff.

If I know anything about this administration, that 700 mil WILL be spent on other projects, and “programs” anyway. So that being the case it would be better spent on a safer, more 21st century bridge. It is a sad day when those are our only options

Brian,
I do agree that it isn’t necessary to spend 700 million for the new bridge. I don’t understand why it couldn’t be scaled back to be similar to the Prescott bridge or possibly the Taylors Falls bridge. It would suck to see it have to go back to square one if it were redesigned. Its already been more than 10 years since the planning started. Based on how wide the river is where they want to put this bridge, maybe it is not possible to build it like Prescott’s.

I to am all for them spending less and I also agree the design is a bit elaborate. That is wasteful spending at it’s finest. Don’t forget somebody got paid a generous dollar just for that design. I would hope that they would get a few more less costly designs put together though. One thing I am looking forward to are the current seams those new pilings will produce

Seams! We can all agree on that!

Being as we are debating bridges; if you guys really want to get pissed call Lunda in Black River Falls and ask them how much more it cost the taxpayers to add those two lovely unnecessary arches to the Lowry avenue bridge! They were demanded by a small minority in the Camden area of North Minneapolis….an area that probably takes more and gives less in the way of taxpayer provided services than any other single area in all of the state. The poor souls just didn’t think the bridge was attractive enough and was a show of discrimination without the arches.

Naturally, the cultural and politically correct thing to do was pay for the arches even though we can’t afford them.

It is very interesting to read all the diverse opinions on this Topic which is becoming pretty Political.

First, I would suggest that everyone here start attending your Political Caucuses, get to know your the Elected leaders (Township Board or City Council, County Board, Soil and Water Service Boards, County Board, State Representative, State Senator, Governor, U.S. Representative and Senators) in your area whether you Voted for them or not. At the Local level especially they still seem to value your opinions.

Attend City Council and County Board meeting occaisionally along with Public Hearings on Public Improvement projects.

As I have read most of the comments here, I can see some really have done their homework and other have not. Yes, I will agree most if not all projects could be done for less, but when you consider the Squeaky Wheel gets the Grease you’ll come to realize why the price tag of many projects is so high and things like the Arches on the Lowry Bridge get put in the plans.

Personally with my first hand knowledge of the processes, planning and design contracts, etc. I will tell you that neighborhood group and their opinions do matter to the decision makers (Elected Leaders), as they hold the purse strings and control the money. Thus, if you get to know the Elected Leaders and voice your opinion, maybe things will change, but in the end, Nobody wants and Ugly Bridge or Highway project running through their town or neighborhood. The people that get heard and get their way are those that speak up and voice their opinions.

Now, that said I will take a step back to also say that not every fancy looking feature on a Bridge made the project cost more than just a plain-jane looking structure. Some of the Arches adding a unique look to a structure may be very structurally important to the Bridge and thus create a much longer span cutting down and the number of piers and cut the cost of the structure.

In the end, the efficient movement of people, goods and services pretty much dictates why there is a need for a new bridge couple with the fact of all the problems associated with the old lift bridge.

Now, however because the Stillwater Bridge is considered an Historic Structure and the Preservationists are involved, they want to save and keep the old Bridge. Mn/DOT and Wis/DOT won’t pay to keep both a old and new, so then someone has to take over and maintain the old bridge unless there is some major safety issue requiring the demolition of the old Bridge. Why is this? The Preservationists are one of the BIG very Noisy SQUEAKY Wheels.

For those that say they never use it, are you going to tell me then when it comes to replacing a Bridge you do use, that you won’t promote it and get involved? Do you use the Freeways, I-35W, I-35E or Cedar Ave or 169 Bridges? All Bridges, Streets and Highways will get replaced at sometime and to me and many other, now is the time to Replace the Stillwater Bridge.

Great points Carroll58 Will you be fishing the new current seams as well?

There’s a few more people that use the bridge other than those that use it to get to work. BY NO MEANS is the St.Croix river a scenic route. Thats a pile of crap and a terrible excuse not to build a bridge near the boat marina that houses hundreds of tuna boats right next to the crappy looking condos that are built rite next to the power plant which is located rite next to Anderson Windows plant which is next to a bunch of houses which is next to another marina which is next to another grouping of town homes. Let’s get real to the situation at hand if you want to see the true Scenic St.croix riverway you’ll have to go north of Stillwater and the beautiful new bridge they want to build will be built near that pretty smoke strack next to those gorgeous townhomes that have the view of the houses on the bluffs. Quite frankly if you live in Afton it has no adverse affect on you either way but thanks for voicing your opinion

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national wild & scenic rivers act 1968

It is hereby declared to be the policy of the United States that certain selected rivers of the Nation which, with their immediate environments, possess outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural or other similar values, shall be preserved in free-flowing condition, and that they and their immediate environments shall be protected for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Congress declares that the established national policy of dams and other construction at appropriate sections of the rivers of the United States needs to be complemented by a policy that would preserve other selected rivers or sections thereof in their free-flowing condition to protect the water quality of such rivers and to fulfill other vital national conservation purposes. (Wild & Scenic Rivers Act, October 2, 1968)

unfortunately the federal govt feels that it is a good reason not to build the bridge, unless they can build a bridge with no pilings. Oh and the king plant was opened in 1968 before the act so it gets grandfathered in. yes i do live in afton and its a long ways away, however whats next a lock and dam with barges. i know we all have an opinion, however if i am not mistaken, the bridge plan has been shot down for 20 years. i personaly think that trying to ammend a congressional act because people dont like to wait in trafic its a big waste of time and money.

Unfortunately traffic is only 1 of the concerns

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Great points Carroll58 Will you be fishing the new current seams as well?

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Yes, when I do get over there.

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P.S. I spend just as much if not more of my MN earned money in MN than I do in WI so statements like that are neither here nor there and make little to no sense on the topic at hand at all.

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Do you pay MN income tax?

It is the WI residents who “need” the new bridge. I think WI should pay 80% and MN 20%.

Why is the freaking thing going to cost $700 million?? The new Hastings bridge is going to cost $120 million and it’s no bare bones box & girder bridge.

http://www.dot.state.mn.us/hastingsbridge/images/vqtreport.pdf

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Do you pay MN income tax?

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YES Do you?

I work in Stillwater and am currently looking at purchasing a home in the North Hudson area.

This is an interesting read

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Do you pay MN income tax?

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As a matter of fact, this was just on the channel 5 news this morning. See WI owes MN a bunch of money, so to get the money back last year MN’s Governor lifted the tax reciprocity to get the money back. I do pay MN and WI income taxes, I AM double taxed, I WILL be paying for the bridge 2 times. I am still FOR a new bridge at Stillwater. I am guessing the bridge itself is not $700 million there (judging by the plans)will be other road work done around the new bridge in both MN and WI and guess what I will be paying 2 times. Now I also believe that the cost will be split between the 2 states so again I WILL BE paying twice as much as you. I am still for it. I hope they start building tomorrow

Just to let you know I am not against being taxed A SMALL AMOUNT to use MN roads to get to and from work.

EVERYONE needs this new bridge at Stillwater. I watched a special on one of the local news stations a couple of weeks back and the safety rating on that bridge is barely HALF of the 35W bridge rating when it collapsed! There are cracks in the foundations big enough to put your arm in! There are numerous support plates that aren’t just rusty, they’re rusted through! The bridge is no longer safe and if there’s to be ANY connection between the two states, A NEW BRIDGE IS NECESSARY! Should we have a repeated incident like the 35W bridge to put all the bickering aside? For the commonwealth safety of anyone needing to crossover, ever, a new bridge is needed.

So, what are the options? Improve traffic flow and reduce congestion issues with a more “freeway” styled bridge or rebuild into the very issues that exist today? It seems rather simple.

As for the scenery, it’s already screwed up! That power plant isn’t going away anytime soon and from the new bridge, you’ll see the same thing looking south. Looking north, you’ll see the delapitated old bridge now open for walking and fishing, and STILL unsafe. Tear it out and it’ll look much like it does today. Tear out the old bridge and what’s left? The view from a boat? A bridge will not kill the scenic value of a power plant and window manufacturing facility and from the power plant, the scenic value to the north is nothing spectacular….I’ve put on over 300,000 miles around this great country of ours and it pales in comparison to many other areas.

Population is still growing and expanding. This is not progress so much as it’s just the world moving on from one day to the next. If we profess to care about the safety of our citizens and the ease of our children’s futures, why must we insist on keeping a broken down pile of tin alive, and as our only means for a Stillwater crossing?

Wait…..I have a preservationistic idea. Screw the commuters cuz MN’s don’t like them anyway and let’s put in a ferry crossing!!! No new construction and a big old fee for crossing a National Scenic Riverway!

Put down the pettiness….. a new bridge is REQUIRED.

The findings of the news channel on the safety of that bridge far underscored what the DOT claims and they REFUSE to meet with the independent inspector and challenge his findings. Don’t side with DOT on this, I’ve seen the footage on TV and the very issues from a boat. Someone’s gonna get hurt or killed if a new bridge isn’t built.

Things change…….always have, always will. It’s time to do the sensible thing and fix a very old problem.

Agree with the Kid. Get it done already.

I have lived in this area for 45 years and seen the growth that has occurred the past years. I personally am against the bridge being built and I admit it is for selfish reasons.

If Stillwater does not want the traffic make it harder for those that use the bridge by directing the traffic elsewhere. From my understanding it cant be closed do to a law in the books and would require a congressional act to close it.

I assure you if this bridge gets built there will be much more development on the Wisconsin side increasing urban sprawl and traffic. One thinks the traffic is bad on 36 now well it will be grid lock all the way to 694 in a short time span. Stillwater shops will suffer as Wisconsin starts building their own shops. Residents along highway 36 corridor will complain of the traffic. Those that use manning ave will start complaining also because their drive has increased substantially. Property values of those new developments will go down because the Stillwatwer area will no longer be considered an easy commute and buyers will go elsewhere looking.

Does the the eye sore of the power plant really make a good argument to build the bridge by saying well its there its ugly whats it going to hurt by adding another monstrosity to the area, that is laughable if not insulting to my intelligence. Yah, I watch TV also and I sure don’t believe everything they tell me especially when they can sink there teeth into a nice juicy controversial story.

More pollution will be dumped into the river. Noise pollution will get out of control.

Those are a few arguments off the top of my head for being against building a $700,000,000 bridge to satisfy a few commuters that chose to live over there.

We have it pretty good over hear on the east side of the cities. Eventually we will have the nightmare of traffic like that of Blommington or Minnetonka but do we really want to get there faster. My point of view is anything that can slow it down only extends the quality of life we have now.

Welcome to Ido Riverweed!

I hope you hang around more then to comment on the bridge.

I do believe you are correct in many ways including it’s going to be coming. It’s just a matter of when.

Thanks BrianK ! I’ll be around, this time of year is full of anxiousness and it does not help matters when I look out the window and see all that ice on the river. 25 five days to go:D and we need some more warm and windy days to break this ice up. This time of year I am usually hauling in channels but with the high water I cant get to my favorite spot.

I absolutely feel for those that are stuck in traffic up there, it is not fun that is for sure. A four lane tunnel under the river be cool with a sky light looking up. We could charge admission.

Search on Baltimore Harbor Tunnel to learn about a SEVEN
MILE prefab tunnel constructed in one season ahead of schedule and under budget–several hundred million below estimates of Croix crossing project. Carries 150,000 vehicles/day as compared to 16,000 that use Stillwater Lift Bridge

Looks as if the old bridge in Stillwater proves to be more worthless than ever.

Prepare for major traffic jams coming into WI as the Stillwater Bridge closes at 9 a.m. Friday morning and they just closed a lane on the HWY 94 bridge into WI this morning causing a bottle neck effect. If you commute from WI to MN to work prepare for some serious headaches over the next week or so. Good thing Stillwater has a worthless, rusty, eye sore of a bridge that they have to shut down every year