At Long Last - Third Avenue Bridge is Open!

Submitted by Doug Verdier

Thank you to Doug Verdier for submitting his photos from the October 28 Third Avenue Bridge re-opening celebration. Per Doug, turnout was fantastic, with hundreds of people enjoying all there was to see and do across the bridge. The event was well organized, with a variety of activities for adults and kids.

No grand reopening would be complete without a few remarks and ribbon cutting. I don’t know where they found the huge shears, but given the size of the project, they filled the bill. Great job by everyone involved in the project.

Visitors could sign up for a guided tour of the bridge to learn all about what had been done and see some of the equipment used during the construction. 

A memorial to some MnDOT employees was also on view.

Some of the equipment used during the job was on display so people could get an up close view (and touch) some of the vehicles.

Lots of booths lined the renovated bridge where folks could pick up a souvenir or something to eat or drink while checking out the new bridge.

Kids and a few adults enjoyed decorating a MnDOT van with markers provided for the fun. You did not have to color inside the lines if you didn’t want to, either. Can’t wait to see this vehicle on the road.

It’s never too chilly for some hot licks, and these guys delivered. The portable heaters helped keep fingers warm.

Right behind the bandstand was this lovely view of Minnesota autumn leaves along Third Avenue. Great backdrop for a family friendly activity.

This exhibit had vests and kid-size hard hats that kids could wear for photos of the event. 

The Cafe Cairo food truck was a popular place for many.

The smell of fresh popcorn attracted visitors to the spot for a complimentary bagful.

Once you had your popcorn and Cafe Cairo goodies, why not relax and enjoy around a fire pit.

With Halloween just around the corner, free pumpkins were available for decorating.

There were plenty of pumpkins to be painted and lots of folks who applied their artistic talent to the task.

These folks were among the many who stopped to paint a pumpkin.

Thanks MnDOT - and everyone involved - for putting on these activities for the community and neighborhoods!

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Editor's Note - Words cannot express our appreciation to Doug for photo-documenting this project from start to finish (along with other projects such as Water Works and the Father Hennepin Bluff Park refurbishment).