Details of proposed Osceola bridge replacement released for public feedback

Project’s environmental impacts assessed alongside plans for pedestrian access and more.

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MN Dept. of Transportation

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Existing Osceola Bridge, constructed in 1953. (Greg Seitz/St. Croix 360)

MnDOT welcomes the public to review, and share comments on the Hwy 243/Osceola Bridge Environmental Assessment/Environmental Assessment Worksheet during the public comment period. The 30-day public comment period opens tomorrow, Nov. 26 and closes on Thu, Dec. 26.

The Minnesota and Wisconsin Departments of Transportation are proposing the replacement of Hwy 243/Osceola Bridge over the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. The bridge connects Franconia Township, MN, and Osceola, WI.

Copies of the Environmental Assessment/Environmental Assessment Worksheet, which documents the purpose and need of the project along with the potential environmental impacts, are available for public viewing during business hours at the following locations:

  • MnDOT Metro District Water’s Edge Building: 1500 West Co. Rd. B-2, Roseville, MN 55113
  • WisDOT Northwest Region-Superior Office: 1701 North 4th St., Superior, WI 54880
  • WisDOT Northwest Region-Eau Claire Office: 718 West Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire, WI 54701
  • Osceola Village Hall: 310 Chieftain St., Osceola, WI 54020 (Use the 3rd Ave. entrance.)
  • Franconia Town Hall: 25156 St. Croix Trail North, Shafer, MN 55074
  • Wilberg Memorial Public Library of Osceola: 310 Chieftain St., Osceola, WI 54020
  • Taylors Falls Public Library: 473 Bench St., Taylors Falls, MN 55084
  • Croix Falls Public Library: 230 South Washington St., St. Croix Falls, WI 54024

An electronic copy of the Environmental Assessment/Environmental Assessment Worksheet can also be accessed on the project website.

We want to hear from you!

You can submit comments to MnDOT Project Manager, Dmitry Tomasevich several ways:

By mail: Minnesota Department of Transportation, 1500 W. County Road B2, Roseville, MN 55113
Email: dmitry.tomasevich@state.mn.us.
Phone: 651-245-4406
In-Person: Public Hearing

You’re also invited to join us for the upcoming Public Hearing on Tue, Dec. 10.

Tue, Dec. 10
5-7 p.m.
Osceola High School – Large Instruction Room
1111 Oak Ridge Dr., Osceola, WI

There will be a presentation at 5:30 p.m. followed by the public hearing. A court reporter will be available to take verbal comments, and comment cards will be available for people who wish to provide written comments for the public record.

More about this project

We are working in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to replace the Hwy 243 Osceola Bridge over the St. Croix National and Scenic Riverway. The current bridge was built in 1953 and is scheduled to be replaced. MnDOT and WisDOT completed an evaluation of the bridge and its components and decided not to reuse any portion of the existing structure. Major construction is anticipated to occur in 2027-2028.

For more information, visit the project website. If you have questions, please contact the project team.

Full document:

1311-06_Hwy243_EA-EAW_Final_Accessible-38709333-v1Download
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5 responses to “Details of proposed Osceola bridge replacement released for public feedback”

  1. Scott Weiss Avatar
    Scott Weiss

    I don’t understand the need for a pedestrian path on the bridge. If there was a town on the Mn side similar to TF and St. Croix Falls it would make sense.
    Just replace and save a dime…

    Reply
    1. Gary Noren Avatar
      Gary Noren

      I have walked from the boat landing to Osceola on the current bridge a few times and it is scary. I would appreciate a pedestrian path on the bridge.

      Reply
    2. Louise D. Avatar
      Louise D.

      There is a lovely park just up the MN side from the bridge. In addition, I imagine long distance bikers may use it as well.

      Reply
  2. Karen Carlson Avatar
    Karen Carlson

    I think a walking/bike lane is an excellent idea. There is no safe way to get across the bridge right now. It only makes sense to put it in at this time.

    It would be in the best interest of the businesses in Osceola to keep at least one lane open to cross the river, during construction. It’s a small town that depends on the traffic from both states, closing the bridge would be devastating to those businesses. Also, as someone that lives in Minnesota and doctors in Osceola, it will add a substantial amount of time to a trip to the clinic and the ER. (Yes, my husband and I have used the ER several times.)

    Reply
  3. Jared Hoke Avatar
    Jared Hoke

    When and by whom was the current bridge deemed inadequate and/or unsafe? This construction is going to cause severe and costly disruption. Is it really necessary? Says who? Just askin’ …

    Reply

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