Historic U.S. 61: Old Gilbert Creek Bridge
Old Gilbert Creek Bridge (Lost)
Located: On U.S. 61/63 on the north end of Lake City, Goodhue County.
Bridge #: 6773
Design: 114' concrete deck girder, 30 foot roadway.
Constructed: 1953
Historic Context: 1950's era concrete highway bridge.
Also on: 
Status: Partially demolished as of July 2011, will be fully demolished by the end of the year.
More U.S. 61 Articles
North >> Lake Pepin Viewing Area
South >> North Lakeshore Drive
The Gilbert Creek Bridge on the north side of Lake City was in itself a rather unremarkable concrete structure built by the Department of Highways during the reconstruction of U.S. 61/63 between Lake City and Red Wing in 1953. However, it was the only bridge like it left on U.S. 61 between the Twin Cities and La Crosse, with its original open concrete railings still intact.
Sadly, time has taken its toll on the bridge, and it is now in the process of being replaced by MNDOT. As of the start of the state shutdown in July 2011, crews had already shifted the traffic lanes and removed the north railing.The new bridge should be completed by the end of the year.
Map
Photos - taken in April, 2011
View of the bridge's north side, showing the open concrete railings, concrete deck girders, and bridge piers.
Road-level view of the bridge, looking northwest.
Sources
- MNDOT. Construction Project Log: Control Section 2513.
