This bridge project was Minnesota’s first use of the innovative Construction Manager/General Contractor (CMGC) design-build process. GM2's Complex Bridge staff led the design of the new 2300’ Winona Bridge which carries southbound lanes of Trunk Highway 43 across the great Mississippi River, more than doubling capacity on this heavily used highway, and the only link between the City of Winona and the Wisconsin communities to the east.

GM2 Complex Bridge staff provided final design for the new southbound bridge as well as aesthetic feature development and project team management under an aggressive schedule as an integral part of the Owner/Contractor/Designer CMGC Team. Advancing the work quickly alleviated frequent congestion and maintenance shutdowns to the delight of the community.

The new bridge features a 450’ main span over the commercial navigation channel providing a wide US Coast Guard navigation opening that matches the existing bridge. The concrete box girder structure was built from above using the balanced cantilever construction method, eliminating impacts to river traffic during construction. Community stakeholders worked with the Owner, contractor and GM2's Complex Bridge staff to develop simple, cost effective aesthetic features that include color, pier shapes, accent lighting, and sidewalk overlooks at each of the main span piers. Overlooks provide the community with gathering places to enjoy unmatched views of the river, nearby Marina, and historic downtown.