Highway 243 Osceola Bridge closure begins November 16

The Highway 243/Osceola Bridge between Osceola Landing and Wisconsin Highway 35 is now scheduled to close at 5 a.m. Monday, Nov. 16.

If you travel between Minnesota and Wisconsin, plan ahead and follow the signed detour using Highway 95, Highway 8, Highway 35 and Highway 243, or use another route.

The bridge is expected to stay closed through fall 2027 while crews remove the old bridge and build a new one.

Bridge Closure Preparations Continue

Even with the short delay, crews will continue making progress. In the coming weeks, you'll see workers clearing trees and vegetation along the portage route while the bridge remains open to traffic. Crews will also be preparing the Highway 8 detour route with fresh pavement markings before the bridge closes.

We appreciate your patience as this work moves forward.

Plan ahead by checking 511, and give yourself additional time to reach your destination.

Please note that all timeframes are approximate, subject to change, and weather and schedule dependent.

Please drive with care in work zones:

More about this project

We are partnering with WisDOT to replace the Hwy 243 Osceola Bridge over the St. Croix River to maintain a reliable connection between Washington and Chisago counties in Minnesota and the Village of Osceola in Polk County, Wisconsin. The current bridge, built in 1953, will be replaced with a new bridge in the same location. The project will also include a new pedestrian and bicycle path linking Osceola Landing to the Village of Osceola.

For more information, including construction schedule and upcoming traffic impacts,visit the Osceola Bridge project webpage. If you have questions, please contact the project team.