Highway 53 Relocation

Carving success from stone.

The Highway 53 Relocation was born from a unique challenge. In the 1960s, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) secured an easement with private landowners, but this agreement allowed the mining company to retain ownership of land worth millions in high-grade iron ore. Fast forward to 2010, the landowner wanted access to the iron ore beneath Highway 53 calling for the highway and all utilities of the city of Virginia to be removed. The stakes were high, and a solution needed–one that respected both the region’s mining heritage and the essential roadway.

WSB competitively bid the Construction Oversight for the project, resulting in their selection by MnDOT for this project through the Construction Management General Contractor (CMGC) delivery method. The team was mobilized promptly, allowing the project to commence quickly. The firm’s experience in contract administration, environmental compliance, materials engineering, and sampling testing was vital to this selection.

Engineering Triumphs

One of the defining features of the project is the Thomas Rukavina Memorial Bridge, which now carries U.S. 53 over the Rocheleau Mine pit, providing vital connection for the relocated highway and symbolizing the engineering achievement at the heart of this effort.

This was no ordinary relocation. This relocation required blasting through some of the hardest rock in North America–nearly half a million tons moved to make way for the new route. The bridge itself, spanning the depth of the former mine now filled with drinking water, demanded innovative engineering and the use of stainless-steel reinforcing in the structure, ensuring longevity for generations to come. Crews worked around the clock, braving harsh winters and remote conditions, sometimes drilling and blasting by day and hauling rock by night, to keep the project not only on track but ahead of schedule.

Impact on the Community

The Highway 53 Relocation became more than a construction effort–it was transformative event for the entire community. Crews working on the project woven into the fabric of the towns, forging lasting relationships and strengthening local pride. The significance of the project was so profound that it led to the creation of a new annual celebration, “Bridge Days.” Today, “Bridge Days” stands as a testament to the enduring impact the Hwy 53 Relocation has had on the community, celebrating the spirit of progress and togetherness it brought to the region.

WSB’s Legacy

This project was a turning point for WSB. Team members took on multiple roles, quickly adapting to new challenges and learning innovative construction methods. From tough minerals to enormous equipment–each day brought something special. WSB earned trust and respect if MnDOT and the community. The success of Highway 53 paved the way for future signature projects in the state and solidified WSB’s reputation as the team that can deliver, no matter the obstacle. The Highway 53 Relocation carved much more than stone–it carved a legacy.