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DRESBACH, Minn. — Top transportation and elected officials from Minnesota and Wisconsin celebrated the completion of a new Mississippi River crossing Friday.

With all lanes and ramps open to traffic, the two newly completed spans are carrying some 28,000 cars a day between the two states on Interstate 90, replacing a 49-year-old steel structure that was closed in April.

A joint venture of the two states, the $189 million I-90 project is more than just a bridge, said Minnesota Highway Commissioner Charles Zelle. With a total of nine spans moving traffic over the river and seamlessly between the Interstate and Hwy. 61, it ensures safe and reliable transportation of between the states.

“Today we have a bridge that will move our people safely, that will move our products safely and allow our economy to grow,” said U.S. Rep. Tim Walz of Mankato.

The I90 bridge is one of four such projects connecting Minnesota and Wisconsin that have been undertaken recently: MN-DOT celebrated the completion of a new bridge at Winona; construction is underway on a St. Croix River crossing in the Twin Cities area; and bids will be let next year for a replacement of the Hwy. 63 bridge at Red Wing.