Contractors blow up Minnesota bridge damaged after heavy rains

Robert Besser
11 Feb 2025, 00:24 GMT+10

This week, workers used explosives to destroy the remains of a damaged bridge in southern Minnesota
The County Road 9 Bridge, near Mankato, was severely damaged last summer after heavy rain led to a federal emergency declaration
A video shared by Blue Earth County officials shows synchronized explosions bringing down the bridge, sending huge sections crashing into the frozen Blue Earth River below

MANKATO, Minnesota: This week, workers used explosives to destroy the remains of a damaged bridge in southern Minnesota. The County Road 9 Bridge, near Mankato, was severely damaged last summer after heavy rain led to a federal emergency declaration.

A video shared by Blue Earth County officials shows synchronized explosions bringing down the bridge, sending huge sections crashing into the frozen Blue Earth River below.

Last year, county leaders decided to replace the bridge and remove the nearby Rapidan Dam, as both were at risk of collapsing after the heavy rain. The 40-year-old bridge was important for residents who used it to travel between rural areas and nearby towns. Officials say rebuilding will take several years.

In June and July 2023, heavy rain caused the river's water levels to rise sharply, creating a new river channel around the dam. The flooding eroded the riverbank, knocked over utility poles, destroyed a power station, swept away a home, and led to the removal of a popular store.

Mankato is located about 80 miles south of Minneapolis.

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