Veteran’s Memorial Bridge closure begins Feb. 3
Traffic detoured until late 2026
MANKATO, Minn. – The detour for the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge and Highway 169/Belgrade Interchange project in Mankato/North Mankato is expected to begin on Tuesday, Feb. 3, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
Traffic will be detoured during construction (see attached detour map). Visit the project website for additional detour information. Motorists are advised to plan ahead and anticipate traffic delays and congestion, especially during peak travel times.
The project includes significant repairs to Veteran’s Memorial Bridge and improvements to the Belgrade Avenue Bridge over Highway 169 connecting the cities of North Mankato and Mankato. Additionally, interchange ramp signals will be replaced, ramp configuration will be modified, and sidewalks will be replaced.
Ames Construction, Inc. was awarded the project with a bid of $21,273,398.92.
Traffic impacts
- Preliminary tree clearing near the southbound entrance ramp to Highway 169 is scheduled to begin Jan. 26 with minimal traffic impacts
- Veteran’s Memorial Bridge will remain closed until late 2026
- All ramps at the Highway 169/Belgrade Avenue interchange will be closed
- Riverfront Drive will be closed intermittently. Traffic will be detoured to Plum Street, 2nd Street, and Main Street during the closures, with advance notice provided.
- Bike/Pedestrian trails: detour signs will direct pedestrians and cyclists around the project area. The bike trail underneath the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge will be closed for most of 2026.
- Mankato Transit: for information on affected bus routes, visit the City of Mankato’s website: www.mankatomn.gov/residents/mankato-transit-system
Final construction wrap-up work is expected in 2027 without additional detours. Schedules are subject to change depending upon weather and other unforeseeable circumstances.
Belgrade Avenue project, North Mankato
North Mankato will reconstruct Belgrade Avenue from just west of Range Street to Nicollet Avenue beginning in April 2026 through July, weather permitting. That work will occur concurrently with the bridge and interchange project. Visit the North Mankato Belgrade Avenue reconstruction project website for more information on the project.
Construction open house
The public is invited to attend a construction open house on Tuesday, Jan. 27, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Blue Earth County Library (100 E. Main Street, Mankato). There will be no formal presentation, and people are welcome to stop anytime. Staff from MnDOT and the contractor will be available to answer questions about the project, construction timelines, and detour routes.
Stay connected
- Visit the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge and Highway 169/Belgrade Interchange project website for more information, periodic construction updates, and to sign up for email updates.
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