The creek is heavily channelized at this location. The creek normally flows through a swale a few hundred feet wide, but at this location, there is higher ground on either side of the creek channel. I suspect that the wetlands along the creek were filled in when this subdivision was built in order to create about two dozen additional building lots. As a result, the creek resembles a canal for the 3/4 of a mile leading downstream to France Avenue. While I have not identified the date that this channelization was performed, I suspect that it was done around 1954 given that both this bridge and the France Avenue Culvert was built in that year.
Edina is known for having a high percentage of upper bracket homes. The homes in the neighborhood along the Minnehaha Creek feature extensive landscaping that is meticulously maintained. As an example, three of the homes that adjoin this bridge are appraised in the half-million dollar range, while the home to the northwest of this bridge is on the tax roles at $1.1-million. It is interesting to tour the streets just to the west of France Avenue just to look at the landscaping.
The photo above is a view looking westbound across the 56th Street Bridge from the north side of the street. The photo below is a similar view from the south side of the street.
