Bridge Replacement Closes Part Of Highway 21 Until October

A bridge that's more than 80 years old is getting replaced this summer on Highway 21 - resulting in a roadway closure that's set to last into the fall.

Crews with Saint Louis County are replacing the bridge that crosses the Birch River near Babbitt;  that original crossing had been built in 1934 as a concrete box culvert.  A remodeling in 1955 created the existing bridge that's being replaced.

A detour has been established that directs motorists to use County Road 583 (otherwise known as Virginia Ely Road), County Road 795 (otherwise known as Lemont Road) and County Road 904.

The new $1-million bridge is being built with funds coming from Transportation Tax Revenue.

Work is expected to be finished in early October.