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Jun 5, 2008 6:51 pm US/Central
Winona Plans To Ferry People Due To Bridge Closure
WINONA, Minn. (WCCO) ―
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The Highway 43 bridge in Winona was abruptly closed June 3 after rust and corrosion were found on steel plates that help hold the bridge together.
CBS
Starting Monday, there will be two ferries running across the Mississippi River to help people get around the Highway 43 bridge closure.
The ferries will run 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. from Winona to Wisconsin.
City officials said the boats can accommodate about 100 people in one and 150 in the other ferry. They do not carry cars.
They will make two trips an hour.
The Ferry will start at Latch Island, located between Winona and the Wisconsin border.
It will cost $5 for day pass, or $15 for a weekly pass. Prices include parking, the ferry ride, and special buses that are being brought in from other communities to help bring passengers to their destinations. Passes are also good for any bus taken in city of Winona.
The city is working to have family passes too.Officials also decided Thursday that emergency responders will be allowed to cross the bridge, though it remains closed to the public for at least several weeks while inspections are completed and transportation officials decide on their next moves.
With some limitations, law enforcement, fire and ambulance vehicles can now use the bridge, which will alllow Winona first responders to resume providing mutual aid to Wisconsin communities across the river.
The Highway 43 bridge in Winona was abruptly closed June 3 after rust and corrosion were found on steel plates that help hold the bridge together.
The closure split the city for the estimated 2,800 people who cross the river every day. Driving over the nearest working bridge could add 70 miles to a one-way trip.
(© 2009 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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