Brooklyn Park residents and commuters are facing a shake-up in their daily routes following a recent incident where a backhoe being hauled by a truck struck the Brooklyn Blvd/Elm Creek Blvd bridge. The unexpected event has led to significant structural damage, prompting immediate attention from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT).
According to the City of Brooklyn Park, MnDOT engineers have already jumped into action, setting plans in motion to restore the bridge's functionality. For now, travel will be restricted, with the bridge opening to just one lane westbound and two lanes eastbound. Attention drivers, the westbound rightmost lane won't be your path through. It’s now dedicated to right turns only.
With the safety of the public as a priority, updated weight restrictions have been established for vehicles crossing the bridge. The new load limit is capped at 90,000 pounds, ensuring that the structure is not further compromised before permanent repairs can be put in place. The MnDOT is looking to enact more permanent fixes by late winter or early spring of 2025, addressing the more substantial damage to the bridge's fascia and concrete beams, as per the City of Brooklyn Park.
