Commuters and leisure seekers in Downtown Minneapolis should brace themselves for some navigational changes on the horizon, as the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) shifts its focus on the ongoing Stone Arch Bridge repair project. Beginning the week of December 2, the downtown side of the bridge will be closed to the public, according to Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.
As part of these changes, while keeping safe the public and crews, portions under the Portland Ave. section will also not be accessible. On the other hand, the St. Anthony Main side will welcome back pedestrians and bicyclists, now allowing them to navigate halfway across the bridge before having to turn back at the newly established endpoint. "These closures are necessary to keep the public and crews safe during the work," MnDOT communicated in the announcement.
For those impacted by the closure and looking for a workaround, much need not despair. MnDOT advises that alternative paths have been set up, with a new protected walkway and bikeway on Hwy 65/Third Ave. Bridge, serving as a detour for crossing the Mississippi River. Details of the detour routes can be found on the MnDOT project webpage, as per the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.
Residents and visitors whose commutes or recreational plans include the Stone Arch Bridge should heed the schedules and be aware that all timeframes may be subject to change. Weather permitting and schedules aligning, full bridge repairs are expected to wrap up by spring 2026. For the latest updates and answers to potential queries, interested parties are encouraged to visit the project's dedicated webpage or contact the MnDOT project team directly.
