Veterans Memorial Bridge to Close February 3rd for Major Repairs
MANKATO, Minn. — The Veterans Memorial Bridge in Mankato will close to all traffic beginning Tuesday, February 3, 2026, as crews begin a major reconstruction project expected to last through late fall.
The $21.3 million project, led by Ames Construction, Inc., includes replacing the bridge deck, repairing panels and joints, and upgrading traffic signals. The bridge is scheduled to reopen around November 1, 2026.
During the closure, all traffic will be detoured to the Highway 14 and Highway 169 river crossings. In addition, all ramps at the Highway 169 and Belgrade Avenue interchange will be closed for the duration of the project.
Riverfront Drive will see intermittent closures throughout construction, and the pedestrian and bike trail beneath the bridge will be closed for most of 2026.
Commuters are urged to plan ahead and expect significant delays, especially during peak travel times, as traffic shifts to alternate routes.