November 5 Bridge 9 Improvement Project Update
Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at 8:36AM
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
* * * Latest project news * * *
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.
North approach spans at the beginning of the concrete deck pour
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.
Southern approach spans curing, after concrete deck pour
Overview of Bridge 9 after both approach spans were poured
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 mid December 2025.
Traffic Impact
The bridge is closed to bicyclists and pedestrians this season. The Detour route is below, and it is also posted to the project webpage.
Current Work
October was a big month for the Bridge 9 project, the following construction operations were performed: setting reinforcement on the southern approach spans, pouring the new deck on both the North and the South approach spans, final backfilling behind abutment 1, and starting to excavate for a retaining wall on the south end of the bridge.
Abutment 1 during restoration
Coming Up
Retaining wall construction on the south end of the bridge, final restoration at abutment 1, repaving a portion of the trail south of bridge 9, and bridge railing installation.
Stay Connected
For more details and to sign up for email updates please visit the project page.
For concerns or questions about the Bridge 9 project please contact:
Contact the project engineer: Oscar Weber,
651-470-4790 or Oscar.Weber@minneapolismn.gov
Contact the engineer: Petru Vizoli,
612-201-1905, or Petru.Vizoli@minneapolismn.gov.
Contact the design team project manager: Rich Revering,
612-718-8412 or Richard.Revering@Bolton-Menk.com
