Design was completed in 2002, but discovery of a design flaw in 2004 led to a subsequent redesign. The department was forced to rebid the construction contract for the eastbound span after reaching an impasse in negotiations with contractor Lunda Construction. The westbound span was completed in 2006 and is now carrying two-way traffic. A new contract for the eastbound span is scheduled for letting next month.

"When protracted negotiations with Lunda failed to produce a fair, sound and defensible settlement to build the eastbound Wakota Bridge, I felt an open and competitive rebidding of this portion of the overall project was the only responsible action to protect the interests of Minnesota taxpayers and the propriety of the state's contracting processes," said Molnau.