Bridge Connecting Minnesota, Wisconsin Delayed Until 2017

STILLWATER, Minn. (AP) — Construction of the new St. Croix River bridge connecting Minnesota and Wisconsin is expected to continue into 2017.

Transportation officials announced the delay Friday. The project was supposed to be open in the fall of 2016.

Minnesota Department of Transportation Commissioner Charlie Zelle says the span is only the second of its type built in the United States and construction is taking longer than anticipated.

Project director Michael Beer says that various factors, such as last year's early cold snap, added to the delay. He says there are no major design or construction problems.

Zelle says a new completion date will be announced before year's end.

It's not clear how the delay might affect bridge's final cost, estimated between $580 million and $646 million.