Franklin Avenue Bridge Closure and Construction Updates
Thursday, October 1, 2015 at 7:24PM
Via an October 1, 2015, Hennepin County e-newsletter:
Franklin Avenue Bridge Construction Update
Planning ahead for weekend traffic impacts
Before we get to a construction update, we have important information about weekend traffic impacts to share.
Saturday, October 3
Motor vehicle traffic will be reduced to one lane on the Franklin Avenue Bridge from 5 a.m. to approximately 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 3, for concrete delivery. Flaggers will guide traffic. Please use caution when traveling through the area.
Similar to a few weeks ago, concrete trucks will be on the bridge deck throughout the day, transporting concrete through a hose to equipment located on a barge below the bridge.
The concrete will be used to create a floor of the Pier 3 cofferdam. Previously, crews dove sheet pile to create walls for the cofferdam. Next, crews will drain the water within the cofferdam to create a dry work area. This will allow them to conduct concrete repair to bridge piers normally below water level.
The bike and pedestrian lanes on the south side will remain open.
Sunday, October 4
This Sunday is the annual Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon. A portion of the route travels across the Franklin Avenue Bridge. As a result, the roadway will be closed to traffic from approximately 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. The bike and pedestrian lanes on the both sides will remain open during the marathon.
An update on construction
Crews have been active around the project site for the past few weeks.
Above water level
Crews continue their work to restore concrete below the bridge deck. This includes work on the piers. Below is a picture of a section of a pier that has been restored using shotcrete. Shotcrete is a special concrete that is applied using a controlled spray.
At and below water level
Crews have also been using the cofferdams in the river to get access to the parts of the pier that are at and below river level. Below is a picture showing concrete removal at one of the piers.
Concrete is being restored in a way that protects the integrity of the structures.
Roadway deck panels
Crews continue to work at the casting yard at Bohemian Flats area up the river. At present, more than 160 of the 366 panels needed for the roadway deck have been completed. All panels will be floated down the river next year and hoisted into place.
Detours and closures
West River Parkway and trail remain closed at Franklin Avenue Bridge. View detour map.
The Lower East River Parkway trail is closed between the East River Flats (University of Minnesota Boathouse) and Cecil Street while crews restore concrete below the bridge deck.
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