Ramsey County Public Works has issued the closure of the Jackson Street bridge that connects Empire Drive and Acker Street. The bridge, located north of Pennsylvania Avenue in Saint Paul, is now inaccessible to all vehicles, as well as to pedestrians and bicyclists. According to Ramsey County, this decision was made cautiously after a routine inspection suggested immediate concerns. Temporary repairs are planned for the bridge's piers, necessitating the closure, which is estimated to span about three months.
The County has acted swiftly, placing barriers and promising to have detour routes posted starting Monday. "Ramsey County made the decision to close the bridge out of an abundance of caution," said officials in a statement made by the Ramsey County website. Though structurally resilient, the 1930s-era bridge is showing its age. Having carried about 3,500 vehicles daily, its closure is now a matter of public safety, not just maintenance.
The bridge had previously been under load restrictions, reflecting its aging structure. While Ramsey County had scheduled a full reconstruction for 2028, recent developments have accelerated the need for interim action. Public Works announced it will consult with bridge experts next week to assess the necessary repairs to keep the bridge functional until reconstruction.
For further details on timelines and alternative paths, the county instructs individuals to check back on the original announcement available at Ramsey County's official website.
