Join us at our upcoming virtual construction update on June 23
Join the project team virtually for a behind the scenes tour of the ongoing construction and opportunity to ask questions. To register for this event, visit the meetings webpage.
Traffic impacts
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All traffic impacts are tentative and weather dependent.
Current
Bridge closures
Mon, Jan. 4, 2021 through November 2022
- The Third Ave. Bridge is fully closed
- Vehicle and transit detour: Hennepin Ave. and First Ave. (PNG)
- Pedestrian detour: Hennepin Ave. Bridge (PNG)
- Bicycle detour: Stone Arch Bridge (PNG)
Construction noise
Crews will work to minimize project noise; however, residents and business owners near the bridge may experience noise, including overnight, during the work.
Upcoming
Information about upcoming traffic impacts will be posted as details become available.
About this project
The 102-year-old Hwy 65/Third Ave. Bridge over the Mississippi River is deteriorating and requires repairs to continue to safely transport people and goods into and out of downtown Minneapolis. Crews will fully close the bridge to complete the project work. Once completed, users will enjoy a smoother road surface, improved safety and accessibility features, and enhanced historic and visual features.
Click image for larger version
Summary of work
The following construction and preservation activities will extend the bridge's service life for another 50 years:
- Repair bridge and replace bridge deck
- Update lighting
- Repair the historic ornamental railing
- Maintain and enhance the bridge's historic and visual appeal
- Repair the City of Minneapolis’s water main on the bridge
- Improve bicycling and walking paths
- Make it safer for bicyclists by separating them from vehicle traffic
Rendering of the future Third Ave. Bridge after repairs are completed. The final bridge color will be chosen later in the project after testing color samples on site.
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Why fully close the bridge?
The design and condition of the Third Ave. Bridge do not allow it to be reconstructed while keeping part of the bridge open to traffic. Other reasons for fully closing the bridge are:
- More work space for the contractors
- Safer working conditions for crews and travel conditions for the public
- Availability of alternative routes for pedestrians, bicyclists, vehicles and buses
- Fewer impacts to the surrounding natural environment
Enhancements
Take a look at what the bridge is anticipated to look like once construction is complete.
Rendering of the future Third Ave. Bridge showing how vehicles and people walking and bicycling will travel after the bridge repairs are completed. The multi-use path will be delineated to separate people walking and people bicycling.
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