Sauk Rapids Regional Bridge

Sauk Rapids, MN

Stearns County and the City of Sauk Rapids retained the WSB/SRF team to review alternatives being prepared for Benton County for the Sauk Rapids bridge replacement in downtown Sauk Rapids. This included several alternatives with grade-separated and at-grade crossings of the BNSF tracks. This project involved a substantial coordination effort with the BNSF and Mn/DOT Office of Railways. Several meetings were held to discuss both the ultimate configuration, as well as the temporary configuration during construction of the bridge crossing. The project involved an analysis of the existing train traffic and vehicular traffic. The cost benefit of a railroad at-grade crossing versus a railroad grade-separated crossing was analyzed.

WSB was responsible for the project management of the construction of the Sauk Rapids Regional Bridge. The project included the construction of two bridges, a concrete one to span the BSNF railroad and a steel one to span the Mississippi, and a pedestrian helix ramp to allow foot traffic direct access to the park located beneath the bridge.

Project Award: 2008 MSPE Seven Wonders of Engineering Award
Client: City of Sauk Rapids, Stearns County, City of St. Cloud, St. Cloud Area Planning Organization
Completion: 2007

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