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.
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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.
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