Minneapolis Central City Tunnel Project Update

Via an October 22 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

• Work will soon begin at the southwest corner of the Washington Avenue and Portland Avenue intersection. The right lane of Portland is temporarily closed to install a temporary dewatering well on the southwest corner of the intersection.
  • During this closure, bicyclists will share the open traffic lane and pedestrians should use the eastern sidewalk.
  • This closure is anticipated to remain in place for three weeks, or until crews finish installing the temporary dewatering well. 
    
    
• There will be an overnight closure of 2nd Ave S between Washington Ave and 2nd St from 7 p.m. Wednesday, October 27 to 6 a.m. Thursday, October 28. This closure is needed to lay additional pipe across the road. Access to properties off 2nd Ave S will be maintained.
  • 2nd Ave S remains a single lane in each direction using the northbound lanes between Washington Avenue 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.
    
    
• The east lane of 4th Ave S between 3rd St S and Washington Ave remains temporarily closed. This closure is needed to complete installation of the dewatering well and pump setup. This work is anticipated to be completed in approximately two weeks.
  • The sidewalk on the east side of 4th Ave S remains temporarily closed until the temporary well is setup. Pedestrians will be able to 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. There may be short-term delays while crews move equipment and materials around the area. 
    
    
• The north sidewalk along Washington Ave remains closed between Hennepin Ave and Nicollet Mall through spring 2022. The contractor will be utilizing an existing shaft to perform work for connecting the existing tunnel to the new tunnel. 
  • During this closure, pedestrians will share the bike lane on Washington Ave.
  • The crosswalks at the Washington Ave intersections of Nicollet Mall and Hennepin Ave remain open.
    
    
• Work continues at the Mississippi River portal site. Crews are completing soil testing and investigation work in preparation for the excavation work that will begin soon.
  • The parking lot off Portland Ave east of the Stone Arch Bridge, near the Mill Ruins Park, remains 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.
    
    
• Expect additional noise, dust, and vibration as crews complete work.
  
  
• Schedule is tentative and subject to change due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances.

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