Motorists who travel on Highway 84 (Barclay Avenue) in Pine River will encounter the road closed between River Street and Fifth Street as crews begin to construct a new bridge to span 220 feet over the Norway Brook dam, just south of the current structure built in 1909.
Here’s what to expect:
- Highway 84 (Barclay Avenue) is closed at the Norway Brook between River Street and Fifth Street in east Pine River. Motorists must follow a signed detour along Highway 371 to Cass County Road 44, then through the roundabout on County Road 1 (24th Street Southwest) and County Road 2 (Fifth Street), back to Highway 84.
- Pedestrians will be able to cross the current bridge along a signed detour on the north side. Bicyclists should walk with their bikes across the bridge. For the safety of pedestrians and work crews, follow construction signs, watch for workers and equipment, and stay out of closed areas.
- Highway 84 (Barclay Avenue) is open to all travelers between Highway 371 and River Street. Access is also being maintained and open to all those who live, work or visit those within the closed work area between River Street and Fifth Street. However, expect changes and gravel surfaces.
The $2.8 million project that will reconstruct and realign Highway 84 east and west of the bridge includes roadbed and surface, underground storm sewer and utilities. Also, the new bridge and road will be wider and will improve pedestrian access on both sides with sidewalks and shoulders to accommodate bicyclists.
ADVERTISEMENT
This project does not include the construction of the rock riffle dam as that project will be handled by the city and not the state. The city construction project is scheduled to begin upon completion of the Minnesota Department of Transportation bridge construction.
The project as a whole is part of a multi-year effort to update the dam and bridge, which were identified as obsolete and in need of repair or replacement many years ago. It was since decided to separate the dam and bridge into two separate structures and projects.
For more Highway 84 construction information, visit www.mndot.gov/d3/projects/pineriver , or contact MnDOT Construction Project Manager Nate Walton at 218-537-3144 or nathan.walton@state.mn.us .
When complete in October, the project will provide a new bridge structure to last 50-plus years, reduce overall maintenance costs, improve drainage and provide safer access for pedestrians and motorists.
For current construction in central Minnesota, visit www.mndot.gov/d3/construct/ . For real-time travel information anywhere in Minnesota, call 5-1-1 or visit 511mn.org .
