Demolition begins on old Red Wing Bridge

Takedown of the old Red Wing Eisenhower Bridge began Thursday.

The demolition is the latest phase of the reconstruction of the U.S. 63 bridge leading from Red Wing, Minnesota, across the Mississippi River to Wisconsin.

Construction crews started taking down the center span, which weighs more than 800,000 pounds. Workers used special jacks to lower the segment 75 feet over 5 hours.

The family of the original project designer watched it unfold.

"We’re hoping he’s looking down from heaven watching it … proud of it," said Janice Hartley, of Anoka.

Crews are hoping to be finished with the project by March 13.

Editor’s note: The original version of this article incorrectly stated the center span of the bridge weighed 800,000 tons.