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Ramsey County unexpectedly closed the Jackson Street bridge north of downtown St. Paul after a routine inspection found deterioration. 

The two-lane, 1930s-era bridge sits between Empire Drive and Acker Street, north of Pennsylvania Avenue, and carries an estimated 3,500 vehicles daily over multiple railroad lines. In addition to being closed off to vehicles, bike and pedestrian traffic will also be prohibited.   

The bridge has been placed under load restrictions in the past, hinting at structural deterioration. Bridge reconstruction was planned for 2028. 

Public Works director Brian Isaacson said they have been watching the bridge’s condition over time, but he said his department was unaware of how fast the damages would occur.  

“Normally, what we try to do is time more significant work,” Isaacson said. “We’ve been planning on replacing the bridge. We thought we had enough time to deliver the bridge, it was scheduled for 2027-2028, but it deteriorated faster than we anticipated.”  

The closure took effect late last week and could last three months. 

The county will consult bridge experts next week to gain insight into the type of temporary repairs that the bridge’s piers will need before the full restoration can take place.  

Isaacson said all traffic will be re-routed to Rice Street and then back to Jackson Street.  

Jaylan Sims

Author

The two-lane, 1930s-era bridge sits between Empire Drive and Acker Street, north of Pennsylvania Avenue and carries an estimated 3,500 vehicles daily over multiple railroad lines.

A road closed sign sits in front of a bridge.

Ramsey County unexpectedly closes St. Paul bridge after inspection

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