Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Curtis Gilbert

Met Council approves $6 million bridge to Vikings stadium

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

The Metropolitan Council has approved plans for a controversial pedestrian bridge for the new Minnesota Vikings stadium.

Supporters argue the bridge is needed to allow visitors to safely cross the light rail tracks in front of the stadium.

Several Met Council members objected to spending $6 million in public money on the project. But Met Council Member Harry Melander said the project is in the public interest.

"This bridge will be used daily by families, by people visiting our community, visiting the stadium," said Melander, executive secretary of the St. Paul Building and Construction Trades Council. "And I just think it's important that we try to make sure that we provide a safe lane for people that travel at that stop."

Among the Met Council members who objected to using public money for the bridge is Wendy Wulff, who said most of the year the bridge will be unnecessary.

"I believe staff said in addition to the eight Vikings game, there's perhaps another dozen events that generate the sort of traffic that the bridge is actually needed," Wulff said. "To me that says the Vikings should be participating in paying for this."

The council will take a final vote on the project once construction bids come in this summer. Opponents say they will continue to press the Vikings to help cover the cost.