---

The approximately $30 million bridge replacement at Osceola and Franconia on County Highway 243 is officially underway—with dive teams having recently relocated rare mussel species  inhabiting the water in the work zone. This was one of several early steps being taken to reduce impact on wildlife and the riverway environment, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.  

Spokesperson Denise Workcuff also said area travelers should expect to see construction equipment and materials on site right about now (end of August)

Boats and other riverway users should follow the buoys marking a safe route through the work zone.

Contractor Lunda Construction will next be building a temporary access road across the St Croix.  Lunda was selected from four bids at a low of about $29 million. Next closest bid was Kraemer North America at $32 million approximately. 

The Osceola Bridge is expected to close to traffic in mid-October 2026.  Reopening is projected to happen in late 2027.

Workcuff said it was learned in reviewing community feedback that reducing the length of time of  upstream and downstream detours was a priority.  According to MnDOT’s schedules Lunda is planning to reopen the bridge sooner than originally planned.  Of course, weather and river water levels and a host of factors can impact the schedule.

Bridge closure will require detouring to Highway 36 at Oak Park Heights/Stillwater or Taylors Falls to get across the St. Croix.

MnDOT has up-to-date information on detours etc. on its 5-1-1 page of the website

---