MANKATO — State transportation officials are looking to more prominently feature the men and women behind the name of Mankato’s Veterans Memorial Bridge when the structure is thoroughly renovated as part of a $23 million project in 2026.
Large metal emblems are being planned for the railings on the bridge with a military star and laurel wreath on one side and, on the other, silhouettes of saluting members of the military accompanied by words that describe the virtues associated with their service.
Members of the public are being invited to offer opinions on the icons and on minor variations of the aesthetic improvements that will be made to the nearly 40-year-old bridge. People can view the options and take a short survey at the city of Mankato’s online public engagement site everyvoice.mankatomn.gov.
“There will be six double-sided metal emblems made from Corten steel, honoring veterans,” the city announced this week. “These designs have been reviewed and approved by local veterans, with one side featuring an image and word representing military service.”
Infrastructure is the focus of the project being jointly financed by the city and Minnesota Department of Transportation, particularly the replacement of the crumbling bridge deck on the span that connects Mankato to North Mankato and to the Highway 169 interchange. The bridge, constructed in 1985-86, also carries Mulberry Street-Belgrade Avenue traffic over the Minnesota River, Riverfront Drive and the Union Pacific rail corridor.
Other elements of the project include replacing interchange signals, improving ramp pavement and updating bicycle/pedestrian accommodations.
The aesthetic additions, though, might be the changes most noticed by pedestrians and drivers. More decorative railings are planned with the emblems placed at intervals across the span. Five of the emblems feature saluting service members with the words “Courage,” “Commitment,” “Duty,” “Honor” and “Loyalty.” The sixth has the word “Sacrifice” and an image of the American flag, folded into a triangle like the flags presented to surviving family after a veteran’s funeral.
Residents are encouraged to view the design features and provide input by Monday.
The Veterans Memorial Bridge was dedicated on Veterans Day in 1986. Although flags adorn the bridge during national holidays, the bridge’s tribute to military service was easy to miss during its early life. Many years later, pillars with the words “Veterans Memorial Bridge” were added at the foot of the bridge in Mankato. And in 2020 “Veterans Memorial Place,” a small commemorative park, was dedicated on Independence Day at the corner of Mulberry and Second streets.