Sunburn was on the menu as residents, construction workers and local lawmakers gathered on a warm, sunny summer day to celebrate the opening of the final segment of new Highway 212.

The grand opening celebration took place Tuesday, though the roadway won’t actually be drivable until July 14. Several hundred people came out to celebrate the highway’s completion some 50 years after it was first envisioned.

“This is a good thing for the State of Minnesota,” said Lieutenant Governor and former Transportation Commissioner Carol Molnau, who helped secure funding for the project in 2003. “This is a good thing for the region.”

New Transportation Commissioner Tom Sorel called the completion of the roadway “a great exercise in partnering,” as he highlighted the support of many city and county leaders over the years.

Southwest Corridor Transportation Coalition President and Chaska City Councilor Bob Lindall thanked contractors Zumbro River Constructors for “delivering a fine product we all love” as well as the community for “gracefully accepting the inconvenience” of the construction.

During the ceremony, Lindall was also honored for his many decades of work on the new Highway 212 project with the Chaska Area Chamber of Commerce Spirit Award.

“It’s a perfect fit,” said former Chaska Mayor Bob Roepke, who presented Lindall with the award.

“The project we all identify Bob with is right here, the new 212.

“His relentless and vigorous leadership has been a huge factor in getting to this point today,” Roepke continued. “Bob has been a leader in this project.”

The gesture clearly touched Lindall, who paused after accepting the award to say, “The irony is that I have a duty to speak at this time and I am speechless.

“I have just been a member of a team,” he continued, later wiping his eyes with a handkerchief.

Many of the day’s speakers talked about the time-saving benefits the new freeway will provide area residents with. Mayor Gary Van Eyll related a story of one resident telling him that he estimated the new freeway, over his lifetime, would free up one extra year – time he would plan to spend with his family.

Others discussed the effects the highway would have on the surrounding area.

“We are looking forward to economic development and growth along this corridor,” said Carver County Commissioner Jim Ishe.

As the hour-long program concluded, the various speakers gathered around to conduct the ceremonial ribbon-cutting and celebrate the completion of the highway.

“Finally, we’re gonna drive on this concrete!” said Molnau.

-Mollee Francisco, staff writer