MnDOT: Third Ave Bridge construction project

Above, watch our recent webinar on upcoming construction projects around downtown mpls. Below is a message from MnDOT regarding the upcoming Third Avenue Bridge Project.

We wanted to let you know about a bridge reconstruction project that impacts Hwy 65/Third and Central avenues in downtown Minneapolis.

The historic Third Ave. Bridge over the Mississippi River near St. Anthony Falls, which opened in 1918, is in need of major repairs.

The work includes renovating the Third Ave. Bridge while preserving and enhancing its historic and artistic features, improving area safety and accessibility, and upgrading walking and bicycling facilities on and approaching the bridge.

Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2020 and is anticipated to be complete in August 2023. There will be a partial closure of the bridge beginning Mon, May 18, that will impact motorists, transit riders, and people walking and bicycling. Then in January 2021, the bridge will be fully closed and everyone will need to use alternate routes across the river through November 2022.

Weekend closure of the Third Avenue Bridge begins May 15

Beginning at 10 p.m. Fri, May 15 through 5 a.m. Mon, May 18, the Third Ave. Bridge will be fully closed so crews can prepare for the upcoming bridge work. Motorists, transit riders, and people walking and bicycling will need to use alternative routes across the river during this time.

Partial bridge closure begins mid-May

Starting Mon, May 18, the Third Ave. Bridge will be reduced to a single lane in each direction through December. Traffic will not be detoured at this time, but we encourage commuters to plan ahead and expect delays during peak travel times.

A transit-only center lane down the middle of the bridge will support buses traveling into downtown Minneapolis during the weekday morning commute. During the weekday afternoon commute, this center lane will reverse direction and support buses leaving downtown Minneapolis.

Pedestrians and bicyclists will share the protected sidewalks on the bridge. Sharing the path during the closure may require extra care while passing.

Full bridge closure starting January 2021

There will be a full closure of the bridge from January 2021 through November 2022. Motorists, transit riders, and people walking and bicycling will need to use alternative routes across the river during this time.

MnDOT road work has been identified as a critical service in Gov. Tim Walz’s Stay at Home executive order. We are being as flexible as possible with schedules during this period of lower traffic volumes to keep projects moving forward and minimize the impact to motorists. Following guidance from state and federal health officials, and to prevent further spread of COVID-19, crews will maintain social distancing practices while working.

More about this project

Don’t forget to sign up for email updates about this project!

For more details, visit the Hwy 65/Third Ave. Bridge project website at: mndot.gov/metro/projects/hwy65andthirdavebridge.

Stay connected

For real-time travel information anywhere in Minnesota visit 511mn.org or dial 5-1-1

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