Wagon Wheel Trail and Trail Bridge
LA CRESCENT, MINNESOTA
The Wagon Wheel Trail Bridge is part of a multi-phase project to link four regional trails to the Mississippi River Trail system and connect the cities of La Crescent, MN, and La Crosse, WI, which sit on opposite sides of the Mississippi.
Phase 3 of the Wagon Wheel Trail improvements features a new 162-foot-long prefabricated truss bridge structure over Highway 61, with a 10-foot-wide shared use path.
Due to the bridge’s location between two city streets and above a highway with an existing stormwater detention pond, WHKS determined that a circular ramp spiraling between the streets and around the detention pond was the best design option. Using 3D modeling, the bridge was designed and constructed to meet all regulatory requirements.
The bridge’s prominent location provides a much-needed bicycle and pedestrian crossing over Highway 61, allowing safe access to the Wagon Wheel Trail from downtown for generations to come.
The project was designed and constructed to Minnesota Department of Transportation State Aid Standards.
The Wagon Wheel Trail Pedestrian Bridge Project was awarded Grand Prize Winner (First Place) in the Special Projects Category of the 2023 ACEC/MN Engineering Excellence Award Competition.
SERVICES PROVIDED:
- Survey
- Planning
- Trail and pedestrian bridge design
- Construction services
- Grant application assistance
IMPROVING LIVES, BUILDING COMMUNITIES
The pedestrian bridge provides safe passage across Highway 14/61 and is an integral element of the Wagon Wheel trail with access to the Mississippi River Trail system. The trail system connects the City of La Crescent, MN and the City of La Crosse, WI, creating new social and economic opportunities for both communities and promoting tourism.
