Southwest Reconnection Project partners invite the public to join them in celebrating the completion of the new Highway 101 river bridge at a bridge opening ceremony Tuesday, Nov. 24. 

The program will begin at 10 a.m. Nov. 24 at Turtle’s 1890 Social Centre, 112 S. Lewis St., Shakopee. Gov. Mark Dayton will be the featured speaker. Carver County Board Chair Randy Maluchnik will emcee the program, which will include remarks from Carver County Commissioner Gayle Degler, Scott County Commissioner Mike Beard, Chanhassen Mayor Denny Laufenburger, and Shakopee Mayor Brad Tabke. 

Following the program, officials and the public will take a ceremonial walk across the bridge and cut the official ribbon at 11 a.m. The new bridge will open in the early afternoon after crews change traffic controls to allow public use of the bridge.  

 The bridge opening event will conclude with a luncheon at 11:30 a.m. at Turtle’s Social Centre. Guests are asked to RSVP for the luncheon by Nov. 16 by calling (952) 466-5200 or emailing carvercountypw@co.carver.mn.us.