Highway 243 Osceola Bridge

About this project

We are working in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to replace the Hwy 243 Osceola Bridge over the St. Croix National and Scenic Riverway. The current bridge was built in 1953 and is scheduled to be replaced. MnDOT and WisDOT completed an evaluation of the bridge and its components and decided not to reuse any portion of the existing structure.

After five years of evaluating alternatives and project development, MnDOT and WisDOT have prepared final plans for replacing the Hwy 243 Osceola Bridge. We are constructing a new Hwy 243 Bridge over the St. Croix River following the same alignment as it exists today. The new bridge will be a concrete beam structure with three bridge piers. We are also constructing a new shared-use path for those that walk, bike, and roll on the north side of Hwy 243 from Osceola Landing, across the Hwy 243 Bridge, to the Village of Osceola. The new bridge and shared-use path will address aging infrastructure and improve pedestrian and bicycle connectivity across the St. Croix River.

Summary of work

The purpose of this project is to maintain a reliable highway connection over the St. Croix River for Hwy 243 between Washington/Chisago counties in Minnesota and the Village of Osceola and Polk County in Wisconsin. The project team is working with federal, state, and local interests to minimize impacts to the St. Croix River and other natural resources in the area.

• Project needs:
  • Address bridge conditions
  • Evaluate pedestrian bridge crossing by foot and by bicycle
  • Address drainage conditions
• Additional considerations:
  • Bridge traffic during construction
  • River navigation and access during construction
  • Osceola Landing access
  • Hwy 243 Wayside Rest on the Minnesota side of the river
  • Hwy 243 Emergency Pull-off on the Wisconsin side of the river

Traffic impacts

All traffic impacts are tentative and weather dependent.

Upcoming

Information about upcoming traffic impacts will be provided as details become available. Motorists can expect lane and road closures throughout construction.

Bridge closures

Fall 2026 through fall 2028

• The Hwy 243 Osceola Bridge over the St. Croix River will be closed. The new bridge is anticipated to open in fall 2028.
  • Potential alternate routes/detours: The project team has identified Hwy 8 and Hwy 36 as two alternate driving routes that motorists can use when the bridge is closed. The travel time between Hwy 243 and Hwy 8 is approximately 15 minutes on either side of the bridge. The travel time between Hwy 243 and Hwy 36 is approximately 30 minutes on either side of the bridge.

Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI)

The FHWA decided the Hwy 243 Osceola Bridge Project will have no significant impact on the environment. The Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) is based upon the November 2024 EA/EAW. FHWA found that the EA/EAW adequately discusses the impacts of the proposed project. FHWA also found that the EA/EAW describes appropriate mitigation measures. The FONSI also includes FHWA’s decision that the project does not adversely affect the St. Croix Riverway.

Appendix C of the FONSI includes the Findings of Fact and Conclusions. MnDOT decided the project does not have the potential for significant environmental impacts. The project does not require an environmental impact statement under Minnesota Rules. Attachment E in the Findings of Fact and Conclusions includes responses to agency and public comments on the EA/EAW.

View the FONSI (PDF) and FONSI Appendices (PDF). To request a reasonable accommodation and/or alternative format of the document, contact us.