Kern Bridge

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The historic Kern Bridge is a bowstring arch bridge that has been removed from its original location over the Le Sueur River in South Bend Township and will be rehabilitated/re-erected to a new location crossing over the Blue Earth River. The location will connect Sibley Park and Land of Memories Park and serve as part of the Minnesota River Trail. This connection and companion trail project in Land of Memories Park will create a continuous trail system from Minneopa State Park to the City of Faribault.

Latest project update

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

The timber planks have been installed on the bridge deck. Concrete sidewalk has been installed on bridge approaches on both sides of the river. Street lights have been installed at Sibley Parkway. Curb and gutter has been placed on the road adjacent to bridge on the Land of Memories side. Trail connections have been prepped for pavement on the (LOM) side.

Upcoming work includes wood curb installation on the river span section of the bridge. Railing installation. Paving of the trail connections on the Land of Memories side and the road section in that area.

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