STILLWATER — The mayor of Stillwater says the city is preparing legal action to force the closure of the aging lift bridge over the St. Croix River.
Mayor Ken Harycki says he became increasingly concerned about the safety of the historic bridge after the History Channel did a story on crumbling infrastructure in the U.S. and interviewed a private bridge inspector.
City Attorney Doug Magnusson says the lawsuit probably will involve the state and federal government and contend that the bridge violates the National Wild and Scenic Water Act.
Minnesota Department of Transportation engineers say the bridge passed an inspection in June. It reportedly will be inspected again this summer. MnDOT plans to make $3 million in repairs to the bridge in fall 2012.
