The Eisenhower Bridge over the Mississippi River in downtown Red Wing is more than 50 years old, so Minnesota Transportation Department officials continue to plan for its future.
They're holding another public hearing Thursday to seek public input into whether the bridge should be renovated or replaced.
The meeting is from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Foot Room of the Red Wing Public Library, with a formal presentation at 5 p.m.
There's more to the project than just the Eisenhower Bridge, says MnDOT [PDF]:
The Highway 63 Bridge over Highway 61 is also part of this project due to its condition and because of its relationship to the river bridge. The primary purpose of the project is to provide structurally sound bridge crossings of the Mississippi River Main Channel and Highway 61.
The Red Wing Republican Eagle says state officials hope to minimize traffic disruption during the project, because the bridge is the only river crossing between Wabasha and Prescott, Wis., a 30-mile stretch.
Project Manager Chad Hanson told the paper that MnDOT hopes to avoid major detours:
"We're really trying to keep traffic impacts to a minimum. Obviously there will be some impact, but right now we don't anticipate shutting the bridge down completely."