Today the legislature included in the transportation bill Sen. Warren Limmer’s proposal to grant $9.5 million in funding for a new bridge that crosses Hwy 169 from Elm Creek Blvd to Brooklyn Blvd.

“Last year a bridge support was hit by a truck which closed one of the four lanes,” Senator Warren Limmer (R-Maple Grove) said. “The lack of structural integrity would have closed lanes for years to come.”

This overpass has served as a critical access point for freight, commercial traffic, and economic development in the area for nearly four decades. This funding will keep things moving forward in the east end of the gravel pits in Maple Grove.

Sen. Limmer was the chief author of legislation to provide funding for the project during the regular session. That bill received positive reception by the Senate Transportation Committee in the early portion of this year’s legislative session.

“I want to thank all the partners involved in this project: The cities of Maple Grove and Brooklyn Park, MnDOT, Hennepin County, and the Three Rivers Park District. The final funding agreed to by the legislature considers the many needs across our state and will be included as one of five projects to receive these funds just emphasizes the importance of this project to improve safety, traffic flow, and accessibility for all users for many years to come,” Limmer concluded.