The Minnesota Department of Transportation plans to re-open Highway 14 in Winona at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota today, weather permitting.

A damaged pedestrian bridge was removed Tuesday afternoon over Highway 14 at Saint Mary’s. With the removal of the pedestrian bridge, the highway is being cleaned up and prepared for the establishment of a marked crosswalk that will be accompanied with flashing warning signs. The safety devices for the new crosswalk are scheduled to be installed this morning, weather permitting.

A heavy-duty crane lifted the bridge off its moorings and onto a truck trailer late Tuesday afternoon. The bridge was hauled away for dismantling. The removal was required after a semi-truck struck the bridge on Monday afternoon, causing damage that forced MnDOT inspectors to close and detour Highway 14 at Saint Mary’s University because the structure was at risk of collapsing.

The detour will remain in effect until Highway 14 can be re-opened for traffic this afternoon. The detour for eastbound Highway 14 traffic is Winona County Road 23 north at Stockton to Highway 61 south at Minnesota City. Westbound Highway 14 traffic should follow the route in reverse.

The bridge serves the Saint Mary’s campus. MnDOT will establish a signed and marked crosswalk for pedestrians east of Whispering Lane. Messaging signs will alert motorists approaching the new crosswalk of the change and crosswalk signs will be equipped with flashers to further alert motorists. Additionally, traffic barrels and other devices will be placed on the roadway and shoulder areas for pedestrian paths.