Beginning 8 p.m. Fri, July 31, the Third Ave. Bridge will be fully closed until 5 a.m. Mon, Aug. 3. The closure will allow construction crews to shift equipment to the other side of the bridge and reconfigure travel lanes. Crews will be working around the clock to complete the weekend work. Nearby residents and businesses should expect noise. Motorists, transit riders, and people walking and bicycling will need to use alternative routes across the river during this time.

Construction Progress

Crews are preparing the bridge for the closure when they will start removing and rebuilding the bridge. We are setting falsework to help speed up the deconstruction and construction portions and try to minimize the amount of the time that the bridge is closed. Falsework is the temporary support, such as steel pipes and beams that is used during construction until the bridge can support itself. The falsework is not a permanent part of the bridge. This also involves working on the utilities under the bridge and protecting them from the future work. Crews also started on the repair work on a pier near Main St. Reminder: Full bridge closure starting January 2021 As a reminder, 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. Dates and details will be provided closer to the bridge closure. Please drive safely in work zones: Slow down when approaching every work zone, then navigate through with care and caution Stay alert; work zones constantly change Watch for workers and slow moving equipment Obey posted speed limits. Fine for a violation in a work zone is $300. Minimize distractions behind the wheel. Be patient; expect delays, especially during peak travel times

All construction activities and closures are weather permitting and subject to change.

Road work continues to be a critical service. MnDOT is committed to protecting the health, safety and well-being of its employees, contractors and all Minnesotans. Crews continue to follow the guidance of state and federal health officials to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

More about this project

The historic Third Ave. Bridge over the Mississippi River near St. Anthony Falls, which opened in 1918, is in need of significant repairs. The bridge carries Third and Central avenues, which are part of Hwy 65.

Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2020 and is anticipated to be complete in August 2023.

For more information, visit the project website at: mndot.gov/metro/projects/hwy65andthirdavebridge.

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Third Avenue Bridge Communications and Engagement Team

[email protected]

Project Website

Project Hotline: (612) 547-7968