December 5 Bridge 9 Improvement Project Update
Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 3:50PM
Bridge No. 9 was constructed in 1922 by the Northern Pacific Railroad to carry freight over the Mississippi. The City of Minneapolis acquired this bridge in 1986 and converted the bridge to a pedestrian use bridge in 1999. The bridge currently provides a Mississippi River crossing for the Dinkytown Greenway bike trail.
Beginning in April, 2025, the City of Minneapolis started making repairs and improvements to Bridge 9, Abutment 1 and the approach spans on both ends of the bridge
* * * Latest project news * * *
2025 Construction Phase
Public Works has been working on this bridge in phases over the past few years, starting with the substructure work (piers and abutments).
In 2025, the scope of work will focus on the superstructure, which includes removing and replacing the approach span decks, replacing the existing railing with a high-safety railing and rehabilitating the east side abutment.
Rehabilitation work on the abutment consists of the removal of degraded concrete, then repairing and strengthening the concrete to remain with new reinforced concrete. The work on the approach spans consists of the removal of the old ballast slab, aggregate and bituminous pavement, then constructing a new reinforced concrete deck.
Installing the block retaining wall on the southern approach
Bridge identification plate in the new pilaster on the north end of the bridge
The abutment work takes place within Bridge 9 right of way through University of Minnesota property. It is occurring adjacent to the U of M Main Energy Plant. Access and staging for the work were closely coordinated with University officials.
Southern approach spans, with light standards being reinstalled
Schedule
Construction activities this season started on April 7, 2025. The scheduled completion date is now January 2026. The Bridge is expected to be open January 8th, 2026, unless there are substantial disruptions due to weather over the next month.
Traffic Impact
The bridge is closed to bicyclists and pedestrians this season. The Detour route is below, and it is also posted to the project webpage.
Current Work
November saw the current phase of the Bridge 9 project near completion. The following construction operations were performed: installation of the block retaining wall on the south end of the bridge, application of surface finish to some bridge elements, paving the disturbed trail on both ends of the bridge, and restoration of material disturbed by construction.
The new railing for the bridge was not ready for delivery to the project site until the end of November. The final railing delivery should occur by mid-December.
Paving at Abutment 1
Coming Up
Bridge railing is being delivered to site and installation is set to begin. The bridge will reopen to people walking and biking shortly after the final portion of the railing is installed. Current expectations are that the bridge will be open by January 8, 2026.
Stay Connected
For more details and to sign up for email updates please visit the project page.
For concerns or questions about the Bridge 9 project please contact:
Contact the project engineer: Oscar Weber,
651-470-4790 or Oscar.Weber@minneapolismn.gov
Contact the engineer: Petru Vizoli,
612-201-1905, or Petru.Vizoli@minneapolismn.gov.
Contact the design team project manager: Rich Revering,
612-718-8412 or Richard.Revering@Bolton-Menk.com
