It's official: Hennepin Avenue S., a bustling Uptown artery in Minneapolis, has reopened its doors, or rather, its lanes, to the public. Announced by Mayor Jacob Frey alongside City Council members and local leaders, the busy corridor stretching from W Lake St. to W 26th St. is now accessible with improvements aimed at enhancing multimodal transportation. This first completed phase of construction adds a new vibe to the area while simplifying access to local businesses just in time for the shopping frenzy of the holiday season.
The project, which is part of a decades-long movement to revitalize the infrastructure of the area, was marked by significant upgrades. According to Minneapolis’ official news release, these enhancements include the replacement of lead water service lines and the installation of new sewer systems, lighting, and electrical infrastructure. It seems that to actually expedite the much-anticipated E Line service slated for December 2025, the city has chosen to strategically incorporate the infrastructure required for these future transit stations.
The new arrangement doesn’t stop there. Mayor Frey was not shy in expressing his excitement, stating, "It’s been 50 years since this road was reconstructed, and the completion means we’re clearing the way for small and local businesses to revitalize the corridor." He added, "This milestone also means it just got a whole lot easier to visit your favorite local shops – go visit them!"
But the work isn’t done. With buses set to resume their regular routes on November 27, the next phase of construction is already on the horizon, planned to commence in the spring and continue north to Douglas Ave. The city promises to carry over the learned efficiencies and communication strategies of Phase 1 into Phase 2 while maintaining focus on the all-important community engagement. As echoed by Public Works Director Tim Sexton in the city's announcement, the ultimate goal is to deliver a 21st-century infrastructure that caters to all, "nearly six decades in the making."
Details beyond today’s ribbon-cutting event can be found on the city’s projects page for those looking to keep a finger on the pulse of Uptown’s transformation.
