of April, only two sections of the western span near the center of the river remained. Last-ditch efforts began to save as much of the bridge as possible. In May 2009 a moratorium was put into effect prohibiting further demolition until May 2011. After numerous fundraiser activities and other efforts to save the bridge, the remaining sections were to be turned into a recreational pier and the land around the bridge into a park. The completed project was planned to open in November 2010, but flooding halted work on the project. Work was again put on hold on November 4, 2010 when the remaining two spans of the original bridge caught on fire, destroying the wood on the bridge. It took three and a half hours to put the fire out due to windy conditions. It was later revealed that sparks from welding caused the old railroad ties on the bridge to ignite and start a fire. The deck of the bridge was heavily damaged, but according to a few news reports the original steel structure was said to still be structurally sound. Restoration work on the bridge resumed on November 8, 2010. The old decks of the bridge were removed and replaced with new ones. Despite the obstacles, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held on June 8, 2011 and the new pier and park opened to the public on June 11, 2011. See also List of crossings of the Upper Mississippi River References Buildings and structures in Dakota County, Minnesota Swing bridges in the United States Railroad bridges in Minnesota Bridges over the Mississippi River Bridges completed in 1895 Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad Road-rail bridges in the United States Road bridges in Minnesota Former toll bridges in Minnesota Demolished bridges in the United States Steel bridges in the United States Transportation buildings and structures in Washington County, Minnesota