Construction Underway on Washington Avenue

Via an August 22 e-newsletter from Hennepin County:

The next phase of reconstruction began last week on Washington Avenue (County Road 152) between Hennepin Avenue and Fifth Avenue South in Minneapolis. Prior to this, utility crews had been doing relocation work in the area.

Crews started by removing existing concrete. As the top layer of road is removed, workers will begin replacing storm sewer pipes underneath the roadway. Additional utility crews will also be relocating telecommunications, gas and electric utilities in the project area.

If you are driving or biking around the area, keep in mind that:

 - Access to local residences and businesses is being maintained.

 - Westbound lanes on Washington Avenue are closed for the rest of the construction season as work progresses (see detour information below).

 - Eastbound lanes will remain open, but traffic is now reduced to two lanes.

 - Except for some short-term partial closures, cross streets remain open to through traffic crossing Washington.

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If you are walking around the area, keep in mind that:

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 - The sidewalk along the north side of Washington Avenue is now closed between Hennepin Avenue and Third Avenue South. Pedestrians should use the sidewalk on the south side. 

 - There are no north to south sidewalk connections at Nicollet Mall.

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As a reminder, the detour for motorists and bicyclists follows Portland Avenue, Third Street South, Hennepin Avenue and then returns to Washington Avenue. This detour will be in place until the end of this year's construction activity, which is expected to be mid-November. There is no detour for eastbound Washington Avenue.

Pedestrians should use the sidewalk on the south side of Washington Avenue. 

* * Meet with project staff * *

You are invited to an informal meeting with project staff:

Tuesday, August 30, 4:30pm to 6:00pm at Dunn Bros Freight House, 201 Third Avenue South

Project staff will be upstairs and ready to take your questions about the project.

If you can't make it to the meeting, we plan to host another meeting early in September. And, you can always contact the project at washingtonavenue@hennepin.us.

Short-term partial closure at Marquette Avenue South begins this weekp

Starting early Wednesday, August 24, crews will be working in the northeast corner of the intersection of Washington and Marquette avenues. They will be installing light conduit and constructing the road base. 

As a result, motorists traveling northbound on Marquette Avenue South will be detoured onto Washington Avenue, Third Avenue South and First Street. The closure is expected to last one week. 

Pedestrians should use the crosswalk on the west side of the intersection. And, buses using the southbound lanes should be unaffected.

Project website: www.hennepin.us/washingtonavenue

Project email: washingtonavenue@hennepin.us