Loading ...Breaking Ground
The Highway 95 bridge construction project is underway. A ground breaking ceremony took place Friday morning to begin the over $10 million project.
North Branch Mayor Amy Oehlers:
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
The bridge will remain open during construction. North Branch City Engineer Julie Dresel says the plan is to work through the spring of 2011, but hopes to have traffic moving on the full lanes in the fall of 2010.
Minnesota Department of Transportation Commissioner Tom Sorell attended Friday’s ceremony along with other government leaders including State Senator Rick Olseen and U.S. Congressman Jim Oberstar.
Sorell says this project can serve as a model for the rest of the state.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Funding for the 10.6-million dollar project includes federal, state and city money. Dresel talks about the multiple funding sources.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Those leading the project say its also important because of the jobs created with the work. Dresel and Sorell did not give an exact number of jobs the project will require, but Dresel said it will be “A lot.”
Oehlers believes that once complete, the improvements will mean greater more business and residents in North Branch.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.