Section 165.09 Joint Establishment of Bridge over Navigable Stream

MINNESOTA STATUTES AND CODES

Section 165.09 Joint Establishment of Bridge over Navigable Stream

165.09 MS 1957 [Renumbered 166.09]

165.09 JOINT ESTABLISHMENT OF BRIDGE OVER NAVIGABLE STREAM.

Subdivision 1.Joint acquisition, construction, and maintenance.

Counties, towns, and cities interested, jointly or separately, may lease, acquire, construct, reconstruct, improve, and maintain bridges over any navigable stream and may construct, reconstruct, and maintain suitable approaches thereto. Such approaches may include the improvement of main highways for a distance not exceeding ten miles from the bridge.

Subd. 2.What constitutes interest in bridge.

A county, town, or city shall be deemed interested in bridges located outside of and within three miles of its corporate boundaries as well as those within or along its boundaries.

Subd. 3.Bridge over Minnesota River or Mississippi River.

Before any bridge is erected over the Minnesota River or Mississippi River, the location and plan thereof shall be approved by the commissioner. Bridges over the Minnesota River below the city of Chaska shall be built with a suitable draw of not less than 80 feet opening or, in lieu of such opening, built at such clear height above the ordinary high-water stage as will be sufficient to accommodate the ordinary navigation of the river.

Subd. 4.Draws opened on reasonable signal.

All draws shall be opened on reasonable signal or notice to allow the passage of vessels.

Subd. 5.Approval of Secretary of Army.

All bridges over navigable waters of the United States shall receive the approval of the Secretary of Army before construction.

Subd. 6.Securing free public use of toll bridge.

Counties, towns, and cities interested may secure the free public use of any toll bridge built across any stream in this state. They may secure the free public use of any bridge by purchase, gift, or eminent domain proceedings as provided by law.