Rock Island Swing Bridge
Rock Island Swing Bridge History
Built in 1895, the Rock Island Swing Bridge carried rail traffic on the upper deck and vehicle traffic on the lower deck. From west to east, the structure consists of a 50’ long plate girder span (rail level) and a 50’ long multi-timber girder span (vehicle level), 5 steel trusses at about 140’ long each , a 442’ long steel swing span, and eleven spans of a two-girder and floor beam system with varying lengths of 30' to 40’.
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In 1982, the railroad closed the bridge, and the renamed “JAR Bridge” began operation as a toll facility. In August 1999, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MN DOT) closed the bridge due to failure of structural members. Also in 1999, the JAR Bridge owners stopped paying taxes in both Washington and Dakota Counties.
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) deemed the bridge an obstruction to navigation in April of 2001 and issued a removal order for the entire bridge. The bridge fell into tax forfeiture status as of August 2003, with the State of Minnesota inheriting ownership and Dakota and Washington Counties assuming responsibility for the overall bridge site/maintenance. In late 2008 after several discussions with both Counties and the State of Minnesota, the State has accepted ownership of the bridge.
The City has acquired ownership of the structure and obtained the necessary Federal, State, and local permits to move the project forward.
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Recreational Pier
The City of Inver Grove Heights is pursuing a plan to convert the former Rock Island Swing Bridge into a 670’ recreational pier. The plan includes refurbishing the existing spans, 3 & 4 and the construction of two new spans to connect the pier to shore. The project bid opening is scheduled for February 11th with the City Council considering the award of a contract on March 22nd. The project’s anticipated expenses and funding includes:
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| Item |
Cost Estimate |
Source |
Funding Estimate |
| Preliminary Engineering |
$136,900
|
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| Construction |
$1,601,550
|
Federal |
$1,300,000
|
| Construction Contingency (15%) |
$240,232
|
State |
$100,000
|
| Add/alt - repair scour piers 4 & 5 |
$25,760
|
County |
$150,000
|
| Construction administration & observation |
$200,000
|
City |
$654,442
|
| TOTAL |
$2,204,442
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$2,204,442
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Potential Park Improvements
The City has acquired 21.53 acres of property that is adjacent to the recreational pier. A subcommittee of the Park and Recreation Commission has developed the draft master plan for public review and comment. The plan envisions the following improvements:
| Off Street Parking |
Paved Trails |
Natural Trails |
| River viewing area(s) |
Public boat launch |
Picnic shelter |
| Public building with restrooms |
Public art |
Historical interpretation area(s) |
| Lighting |
Recreational pier |
Natural area |
| Pedestrian overpass |
Storm water treatment |
Monument signage |
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The probable cost for the potential improvements is approximately $3,600,000 and an additional $3,000,000 for the overpass. The plan has yet to be approved by the City Council and may change before it is finally approved. There is no established timeline for making any of the proposed improvements. The park portion of the project does not currently have any funding sources and it may take many years for funding for any of the proposed improvements to become available.
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Operational hours of the bridge would follow the current park operating hours for all city parks of 8:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Interested in Contributing?
The City Council is actively pursuing donations to help fund the restoration project. Please watch this video and consider making a donation.
Please download this brochure for information on our Pier Project Partner Program by clicking here!
Questions
If you have any questions about the project please contact Eric Carlson, Parks and Recreation Director at 651-450-2587 or by
email.