What will happen to the existing Mississippi River bridges when a new I-74 river bridge is constructed?
The decision on the fate of the existing bridges was made during the FEIS phase, following public input. Options to keep the bridges in place were considered, including an option to keep one of the bridges in place for an alternative transportation use (bicycle/pedestrian). However, in order for the alternative transportation use option to be implemented, a public agency must be willing to assume jurisdiction of the bridge, and be responsible for its ongoing maintenance. Involved local agencies have indicated that they are not interested in assuming future responsibility for the existing bridge. Options to use the bridges for other vehicular purposes were eliminated during the FEIS phase of the study. With the roadway and bridge type selected the existing bridges would be dismantled as part of the construction of the new bridges.
