Star Lake Bridge Damaged in Intentional Fire in 2020 to be Rebuilt this April

DENT (KDLM) – The County Highway 41 bridge at Star Lake, near Dent, is set to be rebuilt beginning April 4, 2022.

The bridge was set on fire in September of 2020 by Ryan Johnson of Mapleton, North Dakota who was sentenced to five years in prison and ordered to pay more than $1 million.

The new bridge will be widened, made of concrete unlike the older bridge made of wood timbers and will include a walkway on each side of the bridge.

The initial estimated cost is $990,000 with an anticipated state contribution of $340,000.

“Having to replace this bridge is unfortunate for our community,” said Assistant County Engineer Matt Yavarow. “This is a well-traveled route for vehicles and watercraft. We ask for patience and to avoid the channel crossing when workers are present.”

During construction a detour route will be in place from County Highway 35 to MN State Highway 108 to bypass County Highway 41 where the bridge is closed.