Graco Park Concept Approved

llustration showing the approved final concept plan for Graco Park.

New park next to Hall's Island and Plymouth Avenue Bridge scheduled to open in 2024

Last week Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Commissioners approved the concept plan for Graco Park, a new Northeast Minneapolis riverfront park that will be built across from Hall's Island, just north of the Plymouth Avenue Bridge.

Next, project staff will develop detailed design drawings and documents for the project and solicit bids from construction contractors. With a successful bid, project construction could begin in 2022, with the park expected to open in 2024.

The Graco Park concept features:

• A multiuse building with public restrooms and community space
• Native habitat restoration and stormwater management features
• A trail under the Plymouth Avenue Bridge that connects to Boom Island Park
• The Mississippi East Bank Trail will continue to travel through the park, with safety upgrades at the intersection of Plymouth/8th Avenue NE and Sibley Street NE
• Gathering spaces, walkways and river access

Graco Park Final Concept

Graco Park Building Concept

Future phases could include additional park elements as funding becomes available:

• Picnic shelter
• Watercraft rental
• Additional park or future vendor building
• Hall’s Island river overlook

Site History and Design Process:

2010: The MPRB purchased the 11-acre riverfront site from Scherer Bros Lumber Co. The former lumberyard was cleaned up and industrial buildings and asphalt were replaced with grass over the next few years.

2016: The Mississippi East Bank Trail was paved through the site. This riverfront trail extension connects Boom Island Park, Graco Park and Sheridan Memorial Park before terminating at the BNSF railroad bridge, in the 1600 block of Marshall Street NE.

2017-18: A project restored Hall's Island, which was destroyed by lumber yard expansion in the 1960s, and created a new gravel river beach.

2018: The MPRB and Graco Inc. reached several agreements that will result in this new park. Graco's Riverside production facility neighbors the new park, which was named "Graco Park" as part of the agreements that included more than $10 million in total financial commitments from Graco.

2021: MPRB staff collected feedback from the community, researched opportunities and constraints at the site and released three initial design concepts for Graco Park for public comments. In December, a single, preferred concept was published for more feedback.

2022: The final park concept was approved by MPRB Commissioners after a public hearing.

Newest Public Art Installation at Target Field Recently Revealed

On April 22nd, the Minnesota Twins and the Minnesota Ballpark Authority (MBA) unveiled the newest public art installation at Target Field - a 66-foot-long glass mosaic on the 7th Street side of Target Plaza (near Gate 29) that showcases the themes “All Are Welcome at Target Field” and “Celebrating Our Community’s Rich Diversity.”

Video filmed and produced by Dan Collison

Designed by the renowned local duo of mosaic artist Daniela Bianchini and muralist Pablo Diego Pérez Riesco (Kalaka), and comprised of thousands of individual glass pieces, this majestic mural brings many of Minnesota’s cultures and communities together in a colorful expression of unity. 

Thank You to All Who Supported and Participated in the Earth Day 5K Bee Run/Walk/River Cleanup

Photos provided by Great River Coalition

Thank you to the participants, contributors and sponsors of the Great River Coalition's Earth Day 5K Bee Run/Walk/River Cleanup on April 23rd! The Great River Coalition is dedicated to bees and other pollinators, with a goal to create a Pollinator Pathway in Minneapolis, and develop a coalition of partners to extend this critical habitat from Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico. Check out more event photos on their Facebook page.

Great River Coalition Big and Little Bee mascots with two of the event sponsors.

Women Drum Corps kicked off the event

Mayor Frey with two young event participants. Third Ward Council Member Michael Rainville is in the background (tan jacket).

Elmer the Elm Tree, mascot of the Minneapolis Park and Rec Board, was on hand.

Participants had the opportunity to learn about efforts to protect pollinators, and their habitat, during the event.

33rd Annual Dandelion Day Celebration at the Ard Godfrey House, May 15

The Woman’s Club of Minneapolis invites you to the 33rd Annual Dandelion Day Celebration at the Ard Godfrey House in Chute Square, May 15 from 1p-4p. This is a great opportunity to soak up some local history - the Ard Godfrey House is the oldest remaining frame house in the city!

April 22 Third Avenue Bridge Project Photos by Doug Verdier

Submitted by Doug Verdier, who continues to document the Third Avenue Bridge refurbishment project.

Among the many construction and preservation activities ongoing at the Third Avenue Bridge, is work to repair the City of Minneapolis' water main on the bridge. Because the water main is located beneath the bridge deck, it is not easily seen. However, the photos below show the water main as it appears when some of the bridge concrete elements are removed for replacement. The water main appears as a horizontal gray tube running between one of the bridge piers and an arch.

The entire project, when completed, is intended to extend the service life of the bridge for another 50 years.

4th Street Reconstruction Project Update - April 21

4th Street Reconstruction Project Overview

The City of Minneapolis is reconstructing 4th St. between 2nd Ave. N and 4th Ave. S in downtown Minneapolis. The reconstruction will include wider sidewalks, improved crossings, a new bi-directional off-street bike path on the north side of the street, lighting, trees, and planting beds. Construction is underway and is expected to be complete by the end of 2022.

Pavement reconstruction on 4th Street near the Hennepin Avenue intersection

Fourth street roadway reconstruction is underway

Roadway reconstruction continues on 4th St. between 2nd Ave. N and Hennepin Ave.

• Construction crews are removing pavement and reconstructing 4th St. between 2nd Ave. N and Hennepin Ave. The roadway is closed to all vehicle traffic between 1st Ave. N and Hennepin Ave. Alleyways are not accessible from 4th St. on this block.
• The roadway between 2nd Ave. N and 1st Ave. N is being reconstructed on the north half and is closed to through traffic. Local access maintained.
• 4th St. parking lot access between 2nd Ave N. and 1st Ave N. is currently closed. Access to the parking lot maintained off 1st Ave. N.
• Concrete curb and gutter construction are underway at the 1st Ave. N intersection.
• Xcel Energy will be conducting utility work on 4th St. in front of Minneapolis City Hall during the first week of May.

*Please note that the construction schedules are subject to change due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances.

What to expect during construction?

• During roadway construction, 4th St. will be closed to through traffic between 2nd Ave. N and Hennepin Ave. Local access will be maintained from 2nd Ave. N and 1st Ave. N. 
• Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout construction. Be aware of your surroundings when walking on the sidewalk and biking in the roadway. 
• Expect additional noise, dust, and vibration as crews complete work.

Upcoming Events

4th street weekly stakeholder meeting

Weekly project newsletters and virtual stakeholder meetings are sent out weekly. Join us at the next stakeholder meeting to get project updates, talk with project staff and get your questions/concerns answered.

Stakeholder Meeting

Occurs every Friday from 9-9:30 a.m.

Via Teams Meeting: Click here to join the meeting

Stay connected

There are multiple ways to get information including email updates and ongoing stakeholder meetings. Visit the project website for more information and to sign up for project updates: www.minneapolismn.gov/government/projects/fourth-st-n-and-s/  

Provide questions, comments or concerns on the interactive map: https://zan.mysocialpinpoint.com/4thstreetreconstruction

Email the project team: info@4thstmpls.com

Contact the project hotline: 612-412-9774

Avian Influenza is Here, Hotline Available to Report Birds Showing Symptoms

The highly pathogenic avian influenza, which has spread through farms and in the wild across Minnesota, has now been detected in Hennepin County.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says humans are not at risk from the disease, and eggs and meat from infected birds are safe to eat. But because it is highly contagious and fatal for birds, this outbreak could affect food production and prices.

Avian influenza is contracted when a bird touches body secretions of a sick bird. It is particularly found in chickens, geese, dabbling ducks and raptors, but can also infect other species of birds.

People who own birds are encouraged to take small but crucial steps to protect them and follow backyard coop protection steps from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

They should watch for the following symptoms: birds are unusually quiet, lying down, off their feed or water intake, have nasal discharge, have difficulty breathing, have difficulty standing, have twisted necks or appear to be continually looking up, have swelling or purple discoloration of head, eyelids, comb, wattle and hocks, egg production decreases or suddenly die.

Anyone who sees a bird – wild or domestic – that shows symptoms should contact the State’s bird flu hotline: 1-833-454-0156. Officers from Minneapolis Animal Care & Control will continue to respond to sick or injured birds when necessary to support State agencies managing this crisis.

Find more information on avian influenza on the Minnesota Department of Agriculture website.

Also follow updates on The Raptor Center's Facebook page and website.

Flying to the Moon by Ric Rosow

Submitted by Ric Rosow

While photographing the moon early Easter morning I had a pleasant surprise. It was a beautiful morning, the first blue sky morning I had seen in quite a while. Out of my right eye I spotted a plane on a trajectory to fly right across the face of the moon. I had no time to adjust camera settings or recompose the scene. I shot 15 images in six seconds. I don’t know how one plans to take a photo like this. I think you just have to react when the circumstances unfold. I plan to have this image printed and displayed at the Tres Leches Art Gallery for Art-A-Whirl, May20-22.

See more of my work @ricrosowphotography.com and @treslechesartgallery.com.

Flying to the Moon

West River Parkway Closes Between 4th Ave N and Portland April 24-May 8

West River Parkway is scheduled to close between 4th Avenue N and Portland Avenue from Sunday, April 24 through Sunday, May 8 for work related to the reconstruction of the 3rd Avenue Bridge by the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The Stone Arch Bridge parking lot will remain open.

The bike and pedestrian trails will also close through that section of parkway, but will reopen on weekends. The trails will also reopen for the Minneapolis Public Schools Kids Bike event on May 4, 3-5 pm.

Please visit the Hwy 65/3rd Avenue Bridge Reconstruction website for details on this project.

4th Street Reconstruction Project Update - April 15

4th Street Reconstruction Project Overview

The City of Minneapolis is reconstructing 4th St. between 2nd Ave. N and 4th Ave. S in downtown Minneapolis. The reconstruction will include wider sidewalks, improved crossings, a new bi-directional off-street bike path on the north side of the street, lighting, trees, and planting beds. Construction is underway and is expected to be complete by the end of 2022.

Fourth Street Roadway Reconstruction is Underway

Roadway reconstruction work on 4th St. between 2nd Ave. N and Hennepin Ave. began this week.

• Construction crews have begun removing pavement and reconstructing 4th St. between 2nd Ave. N and Hennepin Ave. During reconstruction, the roadway will be closed to all vehicle traffic between 1st Ave. N and Hennepin Ave. Alleyways will not be accessible from 4th St. on this block.
• The roadway between 2nd Ave. N and 1st Ave. N will be reconstructed one half at a time, starting with the north half, and will be closed to through traffic. Local access will be maintained.
• Concrete curb and gutter construction is planned for the 1st Ave. N intersection.
• 4th St. parking lot access between 2nd Ave N. and 1st Ave N. will be closed beginning Monday, April 18. Access to the parking lot will be maintained off 1st Ave. N.
• Traffic signs are posted. Road closures and detour routes are currently in effect for the area.
• Xcel Energy will be conducting utility work on 4th St. in front of Minneapolis City Hall between May 2 and May 6.

*Please note that the construction schedules are subject to change due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances.

What To Expect During Construction?

• During roadway construction, 4th St. will be closed to through traffic between 2nd Ave. N and Hennepin Ave. Local access will be maintained from 2nd Ave. N & 1st Ave. N. 
• Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout construction. Be aware of your surroundings when walking on the sidewalk and biking in the roadway. 
• Expect additional noise, dust, and vibration as crews complete work.

Upcoming Events:

4th Street Weekly Stakeholder Meeting

Weekly project newsletters and virtual stakeholder meetings have resumed. Join us at the next stakeholder meeting to get project updates, talk with project staff and get your questions/concerns answered.

Stakeholder Meeting - Friday, April 22 - 9-9:30 a.m.

Via Teams Meeting: Click here to join the meeting

Meetings will occur every Friday throughout reconstruction.  

Stay connected

There are multiple ways to get information including email updates and ongoing stakeholder meetings. Visit the project website for more information and to sign up for project updates: www.minneapolismn.gov/government/projects/fourth-st-n-and-s/  

Provide questions, comments or concerns on the interactive map: https://zan.mysocialpinpoint.com/4thstreetreconstruction

Email the project team: info@4thstmpls.com

Contact the project hotline: 612-412-9774

Pavement removal on 4th Street near the 2nd Avenue N intersection

Road restriction at the 1st Street N intersection looking east

Kolman & Pryor Gallery is now Kolman & Reeb Gallery

Kolman & Reeb Gallery is located in Studio 395, Northrup King Building at 1500 Jackson Street NE, Minneapolis

Jodi Reeb Joins Anita Sue Kolman as Partner and Owner of the Newly Renamed Kolman & Reeb Gallery

Kolman & Reeb Gallery, (formerly Kolman & Pryor Gallery), is thrilled to announce Jodi Reeb, long-time gallery artist and gallery sales associate, has joined Anita Sue Kolman as a partner and owner, and curator of the newly renamed Kolman & Reeb Gallery. “Jodi has been an artist with the gallery for 10 years and our lead salesperson, as well as a full-time fine artist, curator, and teacher in Minneapolis for more than 25 years,” says Kolman.

Jodi Reeb“Jodi is a perfect partner as we take the gallery forward with our new Project Space Grant Program, continue our popular and critically acclaimed gallery activities and exhibitions, and develop new ways to engage and interact with the public,” Kolman adds. “If you liked us before, you’re going to like us even better now. Jodi and I are energized about the whole enterprise.”

Reeb has taught printmaking, acrylic, and encaustic painting as well as book arts. She is a CORE instructor for R&F Handmade Paints and is a GOLDEN Acrylic Paints Artist Educator. Her artwork is in many private and corporate collections including Target Corporation, United Health Care Group, Hilton Hotel in Minneapolis, and Wells Fargo Mortgage in Minneapolis. Her studio is located in the Traffic Zone Center for Visual Art, where she’s facilitated exhibitions for 15 years. She was the recipient of a Minnesota State Arts Board Artist Initiative Grant in 2018. Reeb graduated from the Minneapolis College of Art & Design (MCAD) where she taught printmaking for almost a decade.

“I’m so excited to be collaborating with Anita as an owner and her partner in the gallery I’ve been a part of for so long,” says Reeb. “My background as a fine artist and curator, along with my extensive teaching experience, will allow Anita and I to program an array of new experiences in the gallery for our collectors and the public, while maintaining the excellence Anita has established. We look forward to welcoming everyone to the gallery.”

Major Renovation of Father Hennepin Bluff Park Begins April 18

A new performance stage and seasonal restroom building next to the Stone Arch Bridge is part of the project

Project includes new stage, seasonal restroom building and improvements to park entry, paths, lights, wayfinding, landscaping and stormwater management

A project to renovate and improve Father Hennepin Bluff Park is scheduled to begin construction on Monday, April 18.

Tree protection fencing and erosion control is scheduled to be installed starting Monday, with select tree removal beginning mid-week. Pathway removals will likely begin late next week and go into the following week. Underground utility installation is scheduled for late April.

At this point there are no plans to fully close access to the entire park during construction. Some areas are anticipated to remain open, but please stay away from areas that are fenced off or where construction is happening. Detour signs will be placed around the park to direct people around closed areas.

Project Details

This Father Hennepin Bluff Park Improvements project includes:

• A new performance stage and attached seasonal restroom facility
• New park entry plaza spaces
• Upgraded lights, path connections, wayfinding signage and trail markings
• Landscape and stormwater management improvements

The improvements are focused on the upper part of the park, not the lower paths closer to the Mississippi River. Follow this link to view the project design and some illustrations of the new stage/restroom facility: Father Hennepin Bluff Park Improvements Design

Project Page

Minneapolis' Version of the Bat Signal?

Thank you to Rick Kittock for sharing this photo taken outside of Target Field.

The Minneapolis Arbor Day Celebration heads to the North Loop on April 29!

Annual spring celebration shifts to the streets with a block party along Third Street North between Fifth and Sixth Avenues

The 2022 Minneapolis Arbor Day Celebration brings an entertaining evening in appreciation of trees to North Loop neighborhood on Friday, April 29, 4-8 pm! After a two-year pandemic hiatus, this year the award-winning, traveling festival shifts out of the park and into the streets with a block party planned along Third Street North between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.

Supporting street trees is the focus of this year’s Minneapolis Arbor Day Celebration. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is responsible for all trees planted on public property in Minneapolis, which includes all trees on park land, but also approximately 200,000 trees that line 1,100 miles of city streets and parkways.

The MPRB is teaming up with partner organizations that support the city’s urban trees to educate festival-goers on how to help trees survive and thrive in urban environments. The event is being held on a stretch of Third Street North that was recently rebuilt, so people will have opportunities to help plant new trees along the freshly paved street and learn about urban tree care.

An initial rundown of activities and attractions is below. Share this event with anyone who may be interested at minneapolisparks.org/arborday.

Tree Planting

Join MPRB Arborists for tree planting excursions leaving every half hour, 5-6:30 pm.

Arbor Day Stage

4:30-6 pm: Live music from the Brass Messengers
6-6:30 pm: Announcements and remarks from local elected officials
6:30-8 pm: Live music from the Wailing Loons

Activities

- Information and activities from environmental organizations

- Tree-sized lawn games

- Ask an Arborist booth

- Food Trucks

- Beer Garden

- Arbor Day Fun Run – see MN Brewery Running Series website for details

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A few photos from a precious Arbor Day event (Theodore Wirth Park, pre-pandemic, 2019):

Photo credit: Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board

Kilimo Minnesota Launches GoFundMe to Empower MN Farmers of African Descent

Editor's Note: Thank you to the Mill City Farmers Market for sharing this information.

Kilimo Minnesota is an organic incubator farm with a mission to empower emerging farmers of African descent, socially and economically through mentorship, farmland access navigation and community building.

Founded in 2020 by farmers and Mill City Farmers Market vendors Lonah and Moses Momanyi of Dawn2Dusk Farm, the nonprofit offers a hands-on 3 to 5 year training program where farmers grow and sell organic vegetable crops, take classes, network in the local farming community, and receive one-on-one financial and business mentoring from established farmers.

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The program is growing quickly and has launched a GoFundMe campaign this spring to support basic infrastructure at its new site in Lino Lakes, Minnesota. The project includes a deer fence, irrigation and cold storage, all crucial to organic vegetable farming.

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You can support our friends at Kilimo as they invest in emerging farmers! A donation of any amount - or forwarding this information to someone else who might be interested - supports their goal of empowering more than 20 emerging farmers in 2022 and will have a lasting legacy.

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Learn more: Listen to Moses' recent MPR interview about Kilimo here.

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Moses Momanyi with wife Lonah and children Neil and Faith

Join the 2022 Minneapolis Earth Day Cleanup on April 23!

Everyone is encouraged to participate! Volunteer to help pick up trash in parks, neighborhoods, and along water bodies.

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) and City of Minneapolis encourage everyone to join the annual Minneapolis Earth Day Clean-Up event on Saturday, April 23, 9:30 am-Noon.

It’s free to participate and your help is needed to clean up our beautiful city! No registration needed, just show up at one of 35 supported park locations listed below and help pick up trash. Bags and gloves will be provided on a first come, first serve basis.

Please share the event information with anyone who may be interested: MinneapolisEarthDay.com and 2022 Minneapolis Earth Day Flyer.

Questions? Contact Tom Godfrey at tgodfrey@minneapolisparks.org or 612-230-6484.

2022 Earth Day 5K Bee Run/Walk/River Cleanup

The Great River Coalition offers an Earth Day 5K Bee Run/Walk/River Cleanup at Boom Island Park. Visit the Great River Coalition website for more information and registration.

DIY Earth Day

Prefer to go at your own pace? You can contribute to clean parks for everyone by participating in Do-It-Yourself Earth Day!

Grab a bag from home and head out to your favorite park or trail or discover a new one. Pick up litter you see, while getting fresh air and exercise, then share pictures of your trash haul on Facebook page or by using the hashtag #mplsDIYEarthDay.

Earth Day Locations

Armatage Park	2500 West 57th Street
Bassett's Creek Park	SE corner of Penn Ave. N. and 1 1/2 Ave. N
Bde Maka Ska East	Corner of W Lake Street and E Bde Maka Ska Parkway
Beltrami Park	1111 Summer St. NE
Boom Island Park	724 Sibley St. NE
Bryant Square Park	3101 Bryant Ave S
Cedar Lake Park	Cedar Lake Parkway and 25th Street W
Creekview Park	5001 Humboldt Ave. N
East River Flats Park	351 East River Parkway
East River Parkway	East River Parkway and Franklin Avenue
Elliot Park	1000 E 14th St.
Father Hennepin Bluff Park	100 6th Ave. SE
Folwell Park	1615 N Dowling Ave
James I. Rice Park	West River Parkway and N 4th Avenue
Kenny Park/Grass Lake	1328 58th Street W
Lake Harriet Park	4135 Lake Harriet Parkway, Band Shell parking lot
Lake Nokomis	2401 East Minnehaha Parkway
Lake of the Isles East	W 27th Street and East Lake of the Isles Parkway
Longfellow Park	3435 36th Ave. S
Loring Park	1382 Willow St.
Lynnhurst Park	1345 W Minnehaha Parkway
Mill Ruins Park	102 Portland Ave. S
Minnehaha Falls	4801 S Minnehaha Drive
Mueller Park	2509 Colfax Ave. S
Pearl Park	414 Diamond Lake Road E
Powderhorn Park	3400 15th Ave. S
Sibley Park	1900 E 40th Street
Sumner Field Park	901 Aldrich Ave. N
Theodore Wirth Regional Park	The Trailhead, 1221 Theodore Wirth Parkway
Thomas Lowry Park	900 Douglas Ave. S
Triangle Park	10th Street S between 4th and 5th Avenue
West River Parkway 36th Street	West River Parkway and E 36th Street
West River Parkway 44th Street	West River Parkway and E 44th Street
Waite Park	1810 34th Ave. NE
Whittier Park	425 W 26th St.

Save an Axle - Report Potholes to the City

If you see a pothole on a city street, please report it to 311. Visit the City's website for help determining if the pothole is on a City-maintained street. Find more information on reporting a pothole in this video.

Uh-oh... 

April 6 Minneapolis Central City Tunnel Project Update

Via an April 6 e-announcement from the City of Minneapolis:

Project Overview

The City of Minneapolis Public Works Department is constructing a new parallel storm tunnel, enlarging a portion of the existing storm tunnel, and constructing a new tunnel access in Downtown Minneapolis. This project is anticipated to be completed summer 2023.

The new tunnel is being constructed parallel to the existing tunnel located under Washington Ave S between Nicollet Mall and Chicago Ave. The existing tunnel under Chicago Ave between Washington Ave S and the Mississippi River is being expanded to handle the increased stormwater capacity. The purpose of this project is to reduce pressure in the existing tunnel, provide more room for future growth, and to reduce the need for future repairs and tunnel failures.

Project Map

Latest Project News

Hennepin Ave

• Tunneling the new parallel storm tunnel under Washington Ave continues. You will see crews continue excavating soils from the existing tunnel access shaft at the northeast corner of the Washington Ave and Hennepin Ave intersection. This is to tunnel the new parallel storm tunnel under Washington Avenue.
  • There may be short, periodic delays while crews move equipment and materials around.

 2nd Ave

• Crews continue tunneling the new parallel storm tunnel under Washington Avenue from the new tunnel access shaft in the southbound lanes of 2nd Ave S, just north of the Washington Ave intersection.
  • The sidewalks remain open on both sides of the road.
  • The crosswalk at the Washington Ave and 2nd Ave S intersection remains open.
  • 2nd Ave S remains a single lane in each direction using the northbound lanes between Washington Ave and 1st St S.
  • Access to driveways off 2nd Ave S remain open. There may be short-term access delays while crews move equipment and materials around.

 Portland Ave

• Tunneling the new parallel storm tunnel under Washington Ave continues from the existing tunnel access shaft at the northeast corner of the Washington Ave and Portland Ave intersection.
  • There may be short, periodic delays while crews move equipment and materials around.

Mississippi River Portal

• Crews continue excavating soils above the storm sewer tunnel and grouting near the existing retaining wall at the Mississippi River portal site through April 2022. Work will resume fall 2022.
  • The parking lot off Portland Ave east of the Stone Arch Bridge, near Mill Ruins Park, will reopen in early May 2022.
  • This lot is currently closed to complete work in this area safely and efficiently.
  • The parking lot near Portland Ave and W River Pkwy remains open.

What to Expect

• Expect additional noise, dust, and vibration as crews complete work.
• Schedule is tentative and subject to change due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances

Long-term closures/restrictions

• The north westbound lane, bike lane, and parking lane remains closed on Washington Ave between Portland Ave and Park Ave. These closures will remain in place until the project completed. This is necessary for the contractor to utilize the existing shaft to connect the existing tunnel to the new tunnel.
  • During this closure, pedestrians can still use the sidewalks along Washington Ave.
  • Crosswalks across Washington Ave and Portland Ave will remain open.
  • Bicyclists will share the traffic lane.
  • The existing left turn lane on Washington Ave at the Portland Ave intersection will temporarily become a left turn and through lane.

• The north sidewalk along Washington Ave remains closed between Hennepin Ave and Nicollet Mall through spring 2022. The contractor is utilizing an existing shaft in this area to connect the existing tunnel to the new tunnel.
  • During this closure, pedestrians share the bike lane on Washington Ave.
  • The crosswalks at the Washington Ave intersections of Nicollet Mall and Hennepin Ave remains open.

• The sidewalk on the east side of 4th Ave S remains closed through spring 2022. The dewatering well and pumps are installed in this area.
  • The sidewalk on the east side of 4th Ave S remains closed.
  • Pedestrians can use the sidewalk on the west side of 4th Ave S.
  • The crosswalk at the Washington Ave and 4th Ave intersection remains open.
  • Access to driveways off 4th Ave S remains open.

• The eastern sidewalk along Nicollet Mall between Washington Ave and 3rd St N is closed through spring 2022. Access is open to the Marquette Plaza building. The dewatering well and pumps are installed in this area.
  • Pedestrians are still able to use the sidewalk on the west side of Nicollet Mall.
  • The crosswalk at the Washington Ave intersection remains open.

• The west sidewalk of Portland Ave south of Washington Ave will remain restricted to pedestrians around the dewatering well and pumps until the project is completed.

Stay connected

Visit the project website for more information and to sign up for project updates: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/projects/central-city-tunnel/

Email the project team: info@mplscentralcitytunnel.com

Contact the project hotline: 612-888-9418

Street Sweeping Begins April 19

Public Works crews are gearing up to start the City’s comprehensive street sweeping program to clear away what has accumulated in the streets over the winter. The City has scheduled Tuesday, April 19, for the first day of sweeping. Beginning Monday, April 18, drivers should watch for temporary “No Parking” signs to avoid a ticket and tow.

Starting April 19 for approximately four weeks, sweeping crews will take care of more than 1,000 miles of city streets. Alley sweeping will be completed by then. To make sure the crews can do the most complete job possible, temporary “No Parking” signs will be posted at least 24 hours in advance to make sure streets are clear of parked vehicles. Drivers need to follow street sweeping parking rules or they may have their cars ticketed and towed to the Minneapolis Impound Lot.

Learn more about how to stay informed about spring street sweeping.

Waning Crescent Moon Over University

Submitted by Ric Rosow

A beautiful waning crescent moon was visible in a red sky shortly before sunrise on March 28th. I blended together two images taken seconds apart to create this image. The first image was take at a shutter speed of 1/200 of a second. A fast shutter speed assures that the moon is in sharp focus. Since the moon is constantly moving, if I use a slow shutter speed the moon will appear blurred in my photograph. The second image was taken at a shutter speed of 1/30 of a second so that the rest of the scene was revealed. In that image the moon was blown out and had no detail. Blending of the two images takes place in Photoshop. The goal was to blend the sharp focused moon from the first image into the second image to create an interesting work of art. There are several ways to blend images together. I experimented with several techniques before achieving a result I liked.  

You can see more of my work @ricrosowphotography.com and treslechesartgallery.com