Sambatek is excited to share that the TH 61 Withers Harbor Bridge Replacement in Red Wing has been selected for the Project of the Year – Public Safety Award from the Minnesota Society of Professional Engineers (MnSPE).
This project replaced a deteriorating 1952 bridge with a safer, more accessible corridor for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, trail users, and snowmobilers. But the work went beyond simply replacing it with a bridge. It helped to reconnect an important part of the community and improve how people move through the area.
Sambatek served as the lead designer and project manager, providing roadways, bridge approaches, and multi-use trail design within a tight corridor near Hay Creek, wetlands, and an active trail network. Through close coordination with MnDOT and the City of Red Wing, access was maintained for approximately 22,000 vehicles and hundreds of trail users each day over two years of phased construction.
The project included several community-focused improvements, including ADA-compliant connections, improved lighting, stormwater management to protect Hay Creek’s water quality, preserved snowmobile access, and a multi-use plaza beneath the bridge connected to the Hay Creek Trail.
Completed on time and under budget, the TH 61 Withers Harbor Bridge Replacement is a strong example of how thoughtful design and collaboration can improve safety, mobility, and the everyday experience of a community.
Congratulations to everyone involved in this award-winning project!