Anderson chief-authored legislation, signed into law, providing $9.7MM for repairing the bridge

Senator Paul Anderson joined local elected officials and representatives from the City of Plymouth at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the re-opening of the Rockford Road (County Road 9) bridge over I-494. Senator Anderson chief-authored legislation included within the 2018 bonding bill that provided $9.7 million in funding for the replacement of the bridge.

“With nearly 40,000 vehicles per-day traveling over the 52-year-old Rockford Road bridge, the congestion and public safety of the bridge became a major concern,” said Senator Anderson. “Through a collaborative effort that involved the City of Plymouth, Hennepin County, and the state legislature, we were able to secure much needed funding to repair this vital interchange that serves as a link to our regional transportation system.  This project not only improves the quality of life for residents of Plymouth and our surrounding communities, but also benefits local businesses, job growth, and overall commerce throughout our region.”

At the ribbon cutting ceremony, Senator Anderson was joined by Plymouth Mayor Jeff Wosje, Plymouth City Manager Dave Callister, and numerous other local elected officials, past and present. The bridge was partially open during the ceremony with a single lane in each direction on the north side of the bridge. However, the south half of the bridge and southeast ramp remain under construction with an expected final completion date in November.

The ribbon cutting ceremony completes an over two-year process in which Senator Anderson advocated tirelessly for funding for the project. In the fall of 2017, Senator Anderson led a group of Minnesota State Senators on a tour of the project site with then Plymouth Mayor Kelli Slavik to showcase the need for the bridge repairs. Following that visit, Senator Anderson championed the project’s inclusion within the 2018 bonding bill, ultimately resulting in state funding for the reconstruction of the bridge and interchange. Without the state contribution, the project would not have been completed.