Minneapolis Central City Tunnel - December 3rd Project Update

Via a December 3rd e-announcement from the City of Minneapolis:

Project Overview

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.

Latest Project News

Chicago Ave

• Crews will begin setting up materials and equipment to install the dewatering well on the northeast corner of the Washington Ave and Chicago Ave intersection the week of December 6.
  • There will be no sidewalk or lane closures needed to complete this work.
  • There may be short, periodic delays while crews move equipment and materials around.

Nicollet Mall

• Crews are setting up the dewatering well and pumps near the southeast corner of the Nicollet Mall and Washington Ave intersection.
  • The eastern sidewalk along Nicollet Mall between Washington Ave and 3rd St N is temporarily closed.
  • Pedestrians are still able to use the sidewalk on the west side of Nicollet Mall.
  • The crosswalk at the Washington Ave intersection remains open.

2nd Ave

• Crews are installing the new tunnel access shaft in the southbound lanes of 2nd Ave S, just north of the Washington Ave intersection. Drilling, excavating, and installing the shaft walls will continue through January 2022.
  • The sidewalks remain open on both sides of the road.
  • The crosswalk at the Washington Ave and 2nd Ave S intersection remains open.
  • 2nd Ave S remains a single lane in each direction using the northbound lanes between Washington Ave and 1st St S.
  • Access to driveways off 2nd Ave S remain open. There may be short-term access delays while crews move equipment and materials around.

 4th Ave

• The east lane of 4th Ave S between 3rd St S and Washington Ave remains closed near the Washington Ave intersection. This is needed to complete setting up the dewatering well and pumps. The dewatering well is anticipated to be completely set up and running by the end of December.
  • The sidewalk on the east side of 4th Ave S remains temporarily closed until the dewatering well is setup.
  • Pedestrians can use the sidewalk on the west side of 4th Ave S.
  • The crosswalk at the Washington Ave and 4th Ave intersection remains open.
  • Access to driveways off 4th Ave S remain open.

 Portland Ave

• The west lane of Portland Ave remains closed between 3rd St S and Washington Ave. This closure is needed to install the dewatering well and pump on the southwest corner of the intersection. Work is anticipated to be completed by the end of December.
  • During this closure, bicyclists share the open traffic lane and pedestrians should use the eastern sidewalk.

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.
  • 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.
  • 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 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.
  • During this closure, pedestrians share the bike lane on Washington Ave.
  • The crosswalks at the Washington Ave intersections of Nicollet Mall and Hennepin Ave remain open.

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:  https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/projects/central-city-tunnel/

Email the project team: info@mplscentralcitytunnel.com

Contact the project hotline: 612-888-9418