After half a year of construction, the Plymouth Avenue Bridge in Northeast Minneapolis reopened to traffic on October 3, signaling progress on a project aimed at enhancing pedestrian and cyclist amenities. This milestone, confirmed by the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board, marked the end of a closure that began in April this year to facilitate crucial infrastructural expansions.
As part of the ongoing project, a new trail underpass will connect Boom Island Park and Graco Park under Plymouth Avenue, providing a direct riverside route for non-vehicular transit. The underpass, due for a mid-to-late October debut, is awaiting the addition of a concrete walkway, according to an announcement on the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board's website. In the interim, bikers are being rerouted to an enhanced crossing at Sibley Street NE until completion of the railing on the new Boom Island Marina bridge, a process delayed by sourcing issues for materials.
Community members are reminded to respect the boundaries in place. "Please follow onsite signs and stay off the trail until it opens," the parks board's statement reads. "Do not move or go around fences or barricades." This caution aims to ensure the safety and integrity of the construction zones as the project nears its next phase.
The trail revamp is part of a larger vision to create a unified, off-road experience connecting several parks, including Sheridan Memorial Park, Boom Island Park, and Nicollet Island. In tandem, the Plymouth Avenue and Sibley Street NE intersection has received safety enhancements such as sidewalk bump-out,s which reduce crossing distances, and a new flashing beacon to warn drivers of pedestrians. Further, ongoing bridge maintenance is seen as a preemptive measure to minimize potential future disruptions. Project manager Jon Duesman, contactable at 612-499-9087 or via email at [email protected], is overseeing the initiative.
Boaters and water enthusiasts should note that the Boom Island Marina will remain closed until 2026, accommodating construction activities that are integral to the park's overall enhancement. As the community awaits the opening of the trail underpass, further updates on a grand opening event are to be announced by the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board.
