The Minnesota and Wisconsin Departments of Transportation recently announced that the new St. Croix Crossing bridge over the river at Stillwater might be ready for traffic by August, if weather and other factors continue to cooperate.

The final two-foot gap between bridge segments was closed on Feb. 9, marking a significant milestone and allowing workers, material, and equipment to more easily cross.

The bridge was originally expected to open by last fall. Labor disputes, weather, and material shortages conspired to add almost another year to the schedule.

When the bridge opens, the historic Stillwater bridge will close for renovations and conversion to carry pedestrian and bicycle traffic.