Minneapolis residents anticipating the new trail connection between Graco Park and Boom Island Park have a longer wait ahead. Originally scheduled for an August completion, the project ran into some hitches, pushing the finish line to fall. According to a recent update from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, historical artifacts unearthed and uneven soil conditions threw a wrench in the timeline, requiring design adjustments and additional support structures.
The Plymouth Avenue Bridge, temporarily closed due to construction, is now looking at a September reopening. Residents found during construction that remnants of the old Plymouth Avenue Bridge, an unexpected piece of history, had to be dealt with. It has necessitated a reassessment of the plans, illustrating how the past can still have a hold on the present.
Commuters and nearby businesses are keen to see the bridge back in service, and the Park Board has expressed its commitment to expedite the process. Additionally, they're reshaping the local landscape with safety improvements at the Plymouth Avenue and Sibley Street NE intersection, featuring sidewalk bump-outs and a flashing beacon to alert vehicles to crossing pedestrians.
A significant portion of the project involves a bridge over the Boom Island Marina and the reconfiguration of paths leading to the underpass. With the marina remaining closed until 2026 for construction activities, watercraft enthusiasts are being redirected to the North Mississippi Regional Park. Stepping back, the ultimate vision is a seamless off-road trail experience tying together several waterfront parks – a win for exercise and nature buffs once the path is finally clear, come October or November.
In tandem with the trail connection, City of Minneapolis Public Works completed bridge maintenance this summer to reduce future closures of the Plymouth Avenue Bridge. Once all is said and done, the effect of this work will not only improve the structural integrity of the bridge but also enhance the overall connectivity of Minneapolis's riverfront green spaces.
