There is actually more history here than what a modern freeway style bridge would suggest. The first span to be built was constructed in 1945 as part of a twin cities ring route designated MN-100. That bridge was rebuilt and widened in 1962. After the Interstate Highway Act was signed into law, this became part of the I-694 corridor. The original bridge would become the eastbound lanes, and a new parallel westbound span was completed in November, 1963. I-694 was rebuilt and upgraded in the 1980s. As part of the project, the eastbound span was removed and rebuilt, and the westbound span was redecked and widened in the 1987/1988 timeframe.
These bridges have an unusual arrangement of piers. The original MN-100 bridge was located where the wide set of pier are now positioned. That bridge was removed and replaced by this new eastbound span. Both the original MN-100 span and the early westbound I-694 span were the same width as the middle set of piers. When the westbound span was rebuilt in the late 1980's, it was widened. The widening was accomplished by adding the third set of narrow piers. When the new eastbound span was built, the piers from the old MN-100 bridge were removed, and new set of piers were built wide enough to support the entire width of the bridge. As a result, we have two spans with three sets of piers, with each set of piers being a different width. When driving across this bridge, it looks like one very wide slab. You do not notice the two separate spans or the place where the deck was widened.
