Highway 75 Bridge in Climax to close Monday, Nov. 24 until repairs can be made
Bemidji, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation will close the Highway 75 bridge in Climax on Monday, Nov. 24 after recent inspections have shown additional movement in a one of the bridge piers. For the safety of the traveling public, the bridge will remain closed until a permanent repair can be made.
Motorists will detour onto Highway 220 and Polk County Road 45.
MnDOT has monitored the bridge closely over the past several years. New measurements taken this week indicate that a bridge pier and the ground nearby are beginning to shift beyond acceptable safety limits. “We understand how important Highway 75 is to the community and region,” said Jeremy Hadrava, MnDOT district 2 bridge engineer. “Safety is our top priority; as a precautionary measure it is necessary to close the bridge until a new pier system can be built.”
MnDOT encourages travelers to plan for a long-term detour. Setting up an emergency contract, completing design work, and constructing a new bridge pier will take time. The bridge will remain closed until the necessary repairs are complete.
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