Long-term closure of John Ireland Bridge over I-94 begins Monday
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A busy bridge that carries traffic over Interstate 94 in St. Paul will close for nearly a year — starting Monday.
The John Ireland Boulevard bridge links the state Capitol and the Cathedral of St. Paul. The bridge is nearly 60 years old — and the Minnesota Department of Transportation said it’s still in safe condition.
But MnDOT said the span will be disassembled and then rebuilt within the same footprint, to ensure it remains safe based on modern weight limits.
The bridge will also get some cosmetic updates and safety updates for cyclists and pedestrians.
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The closure is timed to begin after Sunday’s Twin Cities Marathon, which crosses the bridge. It’s set to reopen in August.
During the closure, traffic will be detoured to the Marion Street bridge.
The work is part of an ongoing project to repair nine bridges over I-94 and I-35E in St. Paul. Bridges carrying Jackson Street, Robert Street, Minnesota Street, Cedar Street, Wabasha Street North, 10th Street West, Western Avenue North and Marion Street over the freeway — along with the ramp from Fifth Street to westbound I-94 — are being repaired and painted as part of the overall project.
It’s expected the project will require additional periodic weekend closures of I-94 and partial bridge closures. MnDOT said people traveling in and around downtown St. Paul should plan ahead and review closures as the project proceeds.
MnDOT estimated the entire project will cost about $16.2 million.
