March 2022 Minneapolis Central City Tunnel Project Update
Tuesday, March 8, 2022 at 2:38PMVia a March 8 e-announcement from the City of Minneapolis:
The City of Minneapolis Public Works Department is constructing a new parallel storm tunnel, enlarging a portion of the existing storm tunnel, and constructing a new tunnel access in Downtown Minneapolis. This project is anticipated to be completed summer 2023.
The new tunnel is being constructed parallel to the existing tunnel located under Washington Ave S between Nicollet Mall and Chicago Ave. The existing tunnel under Chicago Ave between Washington Ave S and the Mississippi River is being expanded to handle the increased stormwater capacity. The purpose of this project is to reduce pressure in the existing tunnel, provide more room for future growth, and to reduce the need for future repairs and tunnel failures.
Project Map
* * * * * Latest Project News * * * * *
Hennepin Ave
• Tunneling the new parallel storm tunnel under Washington Avenue continues. You will see crews continue excavating soils from the existing tunnel access shaft at the northeast corner of the Washington Ave and Hennepin Ave intersection. This is to tunnel the new parallel storm tunnel under Washington Avenue.
o There may be short, periodic delays while crews move equipment and materials around.
Nicollet Mall
• The dewatering well and pumps are installed near the southeast corner of the Nicollet Mall and Washington Ave intersection.
o The eastern sidewalk along Nicollet Mall between Washington Ave and 3rd St N is closed through spring 2022. Access is open to the Marquette Plaza building.
o Pedestrians are still able to use the sidewalk on the west side of Nicollet Mall.
o The crosswalk at the Washington Ave intersection remains open.
2nd Ave
• Crews have installed the new tunnel access shaft in the southbound lanes of 2nd Ave S, just north of the Washington Ave intersection. Tunneling the new parallel storm tunnel under Washington Avenue has begun.
o The sidewalks remain open on both sides of the road.
o The crosswalk at the Washington Ave and 2nd Ave S intersection remains open.
o 2nd Ave S remains a single lane in each direction using the northbound lanes between Washington Ave and 1st St S until the project is completed in 2023.
o Access to driveways off 2nd Ave S remain open. There may be short-term access delays while crews move equipment and materials around.
Portland Ave
• Tunneling the new parallel storm tunnel under Washington Avenue continues. You will see crews continue excavating soils from the existing tunnel access shaft at the northeast corner of the Washington Ave and Portland Ave intersection. This is to begin tunneling the new parallel storm tunnel under Washington Avenue.
o There may be short, periodic delays while crews move equipment and materials around.
Mississippi River Portal
• Crews continue excavating soils above the storm sewer tunnel and grouting near the existing retaining wall at the Mississippi River portal site.
o The parking lot off Portland Ave east of the Stone Arch Bridge, near Mill Ruins Park, is temporarily closed for the winter and will reopen spring 2022. This closure is necessary to complete the work in this area safely and efficiently.
o The parking lot near Portland Ave and W River Pkwy remains open.
What to Expect
• Expect additional noise, dust, and vibration as crews complete work.
• Schedule is tentative and subject to change due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances.
* * * * * Long-term closures/restrictions * * * * *
• The north westbound lane, bike lane, and parking lane will be closed on Washington Avenue between Portland Ave and Park Ave. These closures will remain in place until project completion. This is necessary for the contractor to utilize the existing shaft to connect the existing tunnel to the new tunnel.
o During this closure, pedestrians can still use the sidewalks along Washington.
o Crosswalks across Washington Ave and Portland Ave will remain open.
o Bicyclists will share the traffic lane.
o The existing left turn lane on Washington Ave at the Portland Ave intersection will temporarily become a left turn and through lane.
• The north sidewalk along Washington Ave remains closed between Hennepin Ave and Nicollet Mall through spring 2022. The contractor is utilizing an existing shaft in this area to connect the existing tunnel to the new tunnel.
o During this closure, pedestrians share the bike lane on Washington Ave.
o The crosswalks at the Washington Ave intersections of Nicollet Mall and Hennepin Ave remains open.
• The sidewalk on the east side of 4th Ave S remains closed through spring 2022. The dewatering well and pumps are installed in this area.
o The sidewalk on the east side of 4th Ave S remains closed.
o Pedestrians can use the sidewalk on the west side of 4th Ave S.
o The crosswalk at the Washington Ave and 4th Ave intersection remains open.
o Access to driveways off 4th Ave S remains open.
• The west sidewalk of Portland Ave south of Washington Ave will remain restricted to pedestrians around the dewatering well and pumps until the project is completed.
* * * * * Stay Connected * * * * *
There are multiple ways to get information including email updates and ongoing stakeholder meetings. Visit the project website for more information and to sign up for project updates.
Email the project team: info@mplscentralcitytunnel.com
Contact the project hotline: 612-888-9418
