Historic Kern Bridge Reborn as Pedestrian Crossing in Mankato

The Kern Bridge, a 147-year-old historic bowstring arch through-truss long removed from the Le Sueur River near Mankato, is being restored and installed Monday as a pedestrian/bike crossing over the Blue Earth River, linking Land of Memories Park and Sibley Park. The project, about $10.5 million, is funded primarily by state and federal grants with local contributions, and will be completed with decking and railings for a fall opening. The bridge is on the National Register of Historic Places and is the oldest of its kind in the U.S.