The long-awaited project to replace the aging Hwy 243 Osceola Bridge over the St. Croix National and Scenic Riverway is nearly underway.

In August, specialized dive teams carefully relocated several native freshwater mussel species from the construction area. This work is one of several required steps to reduce impacts on local wildlife and habitat during construction.

Crews will be bringing construction equipment and materials on site through the end of the month. They will then build a temporary access road across the water, which will be used to reach the work area over the next year. During this time, boats and other river traffic should follow buoys marking a safe route through the work zone.

The Osceola Bridge is anticipated to close to traffic in mid-October for approximately one year while crews remove the existing bridge and build a new one in the same location.

In response to community feedback, reducing the length of the Osceola Bridge closure became a project priority. The selected contractor’s construction plan will allow the bridge to reopen sooner than originally planned.

Weather and schedule permitting, the new bridge is expected to open in late 2027. Seasonal flooding, river water levels, and other environmental factors could impact the construction schedule.

When the bridge is closed, motorists will follow a detour using Hwy 8 through Taylors Falls or Hwy 36 through Oak Park Heights/Stillwater.

More information about upcoming work, schedule, and traffic impacts will be shared in the coming weeks. Visit the Osceola Bridge project webpage to learn more and sign up for email updates.

Plan ahead by checking 511, and give yourself additional time to reach your destination.

All construction activities and traffic impacts are weather and schedule permitting and subject to change.

Please drive with care in work zones:

Slow down when approaching every work zone, then navigate with care and caution. Stay alert; work zones constantly change. Watch for workers and slow-moving equipment. Obey posted speed limits. The fine for a violation in a work zone is $300. Minimize distractions behind the wheel. Be patient; expect delays, especially during peak travel times.

More about this project

We are partnering with WisDOT to replace the Hwy 243 Osceola Bridge over the St. Croix River to maintain a reliable connection between Washington and Chisago counties in Minnesota and the Village of Osceola in Polk County, Wisconsin. The current bridge, built in 1953, will be replaced with a new bridge in the same location. The project will also include a new pedestrian and bicycle path linking Osceola Landing to the Village of Osceola.

For more information, including construction schedule and upcoming traffic impacts, visit the Osceola Bridge project webpage. If you have questions, please contact the project team.