Edina staff outline design, cost and safety tradeoffs for Rosslyn Park pedestrian bridge

Public‑works staff told the United City Council on Sept. 16 that design refinements and MnDOT safety direction have raised questions about materials, detailing and cost for the Rosslyn Park pedestrian bridge over Highway 62. Director Milner said state reviewers would not permit wood cladding over the state trunk highway because wood panels and their fasteners could become projectiles if struck; staff now proposes welded steel cladding painted to match the design intent. Milner said the welded cladding eases inspection and reduces maintenance complexity compared with wood panels. Staff presented five cost options and a range of estimated project totals (construction plus indirect costs): - Base bridge and ramps, no cladding, no stairs: estimated construction cost $5,660,000; with indirects $7,160,000. - Base plus cladding on the bridge…