Washington Ave. bridge places restrictions on pedestrian traffic

Starting this weekend, pedestrian traffic will be limited to the center of the Washington Avenue Bridge upper deck.

Hennepin County officials announced the restriction after an audit of the bridge found that extra support braces were necessary to bring the bridge into compliance with new federal weight standards.

However, county officials say the bridge is safe and will remain open through construction.

The double-decker bridge connecting the east and west banks of the university of Minnesota carries vehicles on the lower deck and pedestrians and bicycles on the upper deck.

Dan Wolter, spokesman for the University of Minnesota, says the bridge is a critical university artery.

"This is a precautionary step we are glad Hennepin county recommended this and we are pleased to be working with them on it," Wolter said. "Obviously it's a situation where we would like to be able to have it open entirely. We will be working with them on that to make that happen as soon as possible." County officials say they are designing the bridge supports now and plan to begin installation soon.

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