Minnesota Department of Transportation’s Stewart River Bridge

This $5.6 million Minnesota Department of Transportation project included rehabilitating the historic Stewart River Bridge and built a new inland bridge. Northbound traffic now uses the historic bridge, while southbound traffic uses the new bridge, which features a right turn lane into Betty’s Pies. Upgrades to the historic bridge include a bike and pedestrian path, while the bridge’s new road alignment created a left turn lane off Highway 61 into Betty’s Pies; a bakery reportedly home to the best pies in Minnesota. A marked pedestrian crossing was added to improve safety for tourists and access to the lake side of the historic bridge. These enhancements include Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant turn lanes and pedestrian facilities, improving safety for all users.