June 2025 Bridge 9 Improvement Project Update
Thursday, June 5, 2025 at 1:50PM
View of removed bridge deck
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. The latest updates on this project are below.
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.
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.
Preparing to saw southern concrete slab
Schedule
Construction activities this season started on April 7, 2025. The scheduled completion date is the end of December 2025. The contractor is currently anticipating substantial completion by the end of November 2025.
Traffic Impact
The bridge is closed to bicyclists and pedestrians this season. The detour route is posted to the project webpage.
Current Work
During the month of May, the following construction operations were performed: continued removal of the northern approach span deck, excavation behind abutment 1, and salvaging the existing metal railing from the bridge approach spans.
Excavation behind Abutment 1
Coming Up
Deck removals on the southern approach span, repair work on Abutment 1, and preparing the girders on the North approach span for the new deck.
Stay Connected
For more details and to sign up for email updates please visit the project page:
www.minneapolismn.gov/government/projects/bridge-9/
For concerns or questions about the Bridge 9 project please contact:
Contact the project engineer: Petru Vizoli,
612-201-1905, or Petru.Vizoli@minneapolismn.gov.
Contact the engineer: Oscar Weber,
651-470-4790 or Oscar.Weber@minneapolismn.gov
Contact the design team project manager: Rich Revering,
612-718-8412 or Richard.Revering@Bolton-Menk.com
