MnDOT is working the the City of Minneapolis to re-evaluate the construction staging schedule. Two general construction options are being explored:
Keep Hwy 65 open to traffic via a temporary bridge, truck traffic will be detoured, or
Hwy 65 closed to all traffic
The project aesthetics will be developed. There will be a public meeting to gather public input and to obtain feedback about project aesthetics proposals. Look on this page for a schedule of public meetings.
About this project
The existing bridge spanning Hwy 65/Central Avenue between 14th Avenue NE and 18th Avenue NE was constructed in 1924 and carries the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railroad. The bridge has aged and needs to be replaced. MnDOT, the City of Minneapolis and BNSF Railway have been working together to develop the design and construction plans for a new bridge. See the scoping map for more details.
Summary of work
Replace the existing bridge with a newer structure for railroad traffic
Raise the existing vertical clearance for Hwy 65/Central Avenue traffic
Resurface Hwy 65 between 14th Avenue NE and 18th Avenue NE and construct new sidewalks and retaining walls
Schedule
Second Project Open House: Summer 2013
Project let date for Construction: Nov. 2013
Construction begins: Spring 2014
Hwy 65/Central Ave closed to vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians: Spring 2014 to Fall 2014
Construction substantially completed: Fall 2014
Cost
$14 million (dependent on chosen construction option)
