![New Bridge May Spark Tourism in Northeast Minnesota](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2017/09/Highway-53-Bridge-Virginia-MN.jpg?w=630&h=420&zc=1&s=0&a=t&q=89&w=980&q=75)
New Bridge May Spark Tourism in Northeast Minnesota
VIRGINIA, Minn. (AP) _ Officials in northeastern Minnesota believe a new
highway bridge can spark economic development and help tourism by providing an
entryway into the city of Virginia.
The 1,100-foot (335-meter) long U.S. Highway 53 bridge on the Iron Range sits more than 200 feet (61 meters) above the Rouchleau Pit, an old mine pit.
Jim Makowsky, the general manager of two area hotels, says he thinks the bridge
will be a tourist attraction.
The bridge was built after mining company Cliffs Natural Resources told the
state seven years ago that the highway had to be moved so the company could
access iron ore underneath the road.
The project cost about $235 million. The federal government provided $30
million, and the state covered the rest of the cost.
More From AM 1240 WJON
![Three People Hurt In Crash In Rice On Friday](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2019/12/State-Patrol-Stock-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Hormel Seeking Nominations for 10 Under 20 Heroes](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/04/attachment-MicrosoftTeams-image-18.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Murphy Named New Principal For Clearview Elementary](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2016/07/clearview-elementary1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Fishing is Good in MN; Where to Fish is the Challenge](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2023/10/attachment-Glen-Schmitt-taken-by-Ben-Schmitt-edit.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Strong Turnout At 1st Annual Spearfishing Decoy Show](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2023/12/attachment-DSC01510.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Want To Own Your Own Movie Theater? That Chance Awaits You In Hutchinson!](http://townsquare.media/site/65/files/2023/07/attachment-Jenna-Vikse-via-Jenna-Vikse-Real-Estate.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![This Oddly Named Minneapolis Business Is Really An Artists Dream World](http://townsquare.media/site/65/files/2023/01/attachment-Image-Credit-Google-Maps.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Sartell Officials Expecting Strong Summer Tourism Season](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2022/06/attachment-Pinecone-Central-Park.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![There is a New Lake in Minnesota, Visit Scenic Lake Chipotle](http://townsquare.media/site/65/files/2022/04/attachment-Untitled-design-2022-04-15T055723.779.jpg?w=980&q=75)