Highway 61 bridge in Hastings, MN

[SegFault]

Does anybody know the current bike-able state of the highway 61 bridge in Hastings, Minnesota? I'm planning on doing a little mini-tour and plan on using this bridge to cross the river, but I know it's undergoing some road work at the moment.

Don't want to cycle all the way down there only to find I can't cross the river...

[SegFault]

Sorry to reply to my own post. but I should have looked more closely at the construction FAQ.

From http://www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/hastingsbridge/faq2008.html:


How will pedestrians and bicyclists be accommodated during the repair period?

Pedestrians and bicycles will be allowed to use the sidewalk to cross the bridge during work on the southbound lane (west side) of the bridge. Pedestrian and bicycle access will not be allowed during maintenance on the northbound lane (east side) of the structure since they would be traveling straight through the maintenance activity. Mn/DOT will schedule construction so the sidewalk is open during the school year.

So it looks like one of the sidewalks will be open for bikes, though I'll be on the "wrong" sidewalk if I'm heading north. Shouldn't be too bad, I guess, but if you have some first-hand info let me know.

[CastIron]

Roll to the front and consult with the flagger or trooper on duty. Given the remarkable amount of road rage, I'd avoid it like the plague.

[SegFault]

Thanks for the advice; as much as I don't like urban riding it's probably better to cross in St. Paul than chance it with MN-DOT and impatient commuters on a 2-lane bridge.

[CastIron]

More scenic. I'd advise Wabasha St.