Winona Bridge

For MnDOT’s first-ever CMGC project, Ames combined innovative new bridge construction with the methodical process of bridge rehabilitation to ensure safe and efficient passage over the Mississippi River at Winona, Minnesota, for years to come.

Ames built a new cast-in-place, balanced cantilevered segmental bridge upstream from the existing bridge. Once the new bridge was open to traffic, crews pivoted to rehabilitating the truss spans on the existing 70-year-old bridge and reconstructing the approaches.

The new bridge uses a concrete box girder design of comparable height and style to the iconic truss of the existing bridge. The two-bridge solution was a result of MnDOT working with the community to identify three primary goals for the project: keep the river crossing open through construction, minimize financial burden on the city, and open the new bridge as soon as possible.

With the early engagement afforded by the CMGC (Construction Manager/General Contractor) process, the project exemplified how excellence can be achieved with a collaborative “one team” mindset. Crews completed construction of the new bridge and approaches three months ahead of schedule, and rehabilitation of the existing bridge was completed four months ahead of schedule.

The side-by-side structures improved the river crossing by providing two northbound and two southbound lanes while preserving the city’s historic landmark.