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EHEI Award: Encouraging Nonmotorized Transportation

Stillwater Lift Bridge Management Plan and Repair Project 2009

Minnesota

Project Location: Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, in Stillwater, Minnesota.

Photo of a bridge crossing an icey river.

The purpose of the Stillwater Lift Bridge Management Plan and Repair Project is to restore the bridge, convert it to a bicycle and pedestrian river crossing, and connect the bridge to a pathway that links Minnesota and Wisconsin. The bridges historic quality and features also needed to be preserved. The bridge crosses the St. Croix River, which has been designated a National Wild and Scenic River. The river and surrounding area supports many wildlife and aquatic species. Motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians use the bridge to experience the River and access commercial and residential locations.

The Stakeholder Involvement process was formed to actively listen and engage stakeholders throughout the project development phases. Stakeholders with many interests were also well represented. The involvement of stakeholders allowed for efficiency in service delivery through partnering and collaboration. Stakeholder feedback and involvement was an ongoing and continual process to ensure that many people with disabilities were included in the project planning and design.

Goals of Project:
The goals of the Stillwater project are to promote greater use of bicycling and walking and to improve access to the natural, scenic, and historical qualities of the bridge, river, and surrounding community. The growing elderly population and importance for physical activity and good health in Minnesota and Wisconsin made this project essential to maximize the transportation opportunities for the people of this community.

The Stillwater Lift Bridge Management Plan and Repair Project was a great partnership of stakeholders, agency staff, and citizens. This process demonstrates the continual involvement of stakeholders promoting the overall project goals of improving accessibility for persons with disabilities, promoting bicycle use, and walking for all ages and abilities. The use of various methods and strategies of public involvement and partnering with many stakeholders benefited this project.

Updated: 06/27/2017
Updated: 6/27/2017
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