MnDOT is looking to replace the current lifting bridge with an extradosed structure.

The report says that the proposal known as the diagonal bridge concept is similar to one that was rejected more than 10 years ago. It would cost as much as the current proposal, cause more environmental issues and set back the project by at least four years.

The proposed design would cross the river at a 45 degree angle and would be a three-lane crossing with a reversible centre lane.

The diagonal bridge concept had been put forward by some of the organisations that are stakeholders in the scheme to replace the current lifting bridge.