Bridge work done, MnDOT set to reopen key Mpls. road

Central Avenue project area
A stretch of Central Avenue between 18th and 14th avenues is expected to open next week.
Courtesy of MnDOT

A key artery in northeast Minneapolis is expected to reopen Monday night, after months of construction.

Central Avenue, designated as Highway 65 coming out of downtown Minneapolis, has been closed between 18th and 14th avenues since early spring while the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad rebuilt a train bridge over the four-lane road.

The construction was extended by difficulties in delivery and installation of rail materials. The railroad also had to build a temporary track to accommodate trains, and a vehicle fire under the newly completed bridge also set the project back, the Minnesota Department of Transportation said Monday.

The project replaces a bridge built in 1924. The new bridge has a higher clearance, new sidewalks and retaining walls, MnDOT said.

Crews this spring will reduce the road to one lane in each direction to finish the work they were unable to complete this year, the agency added.

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